Post Op Acne

[SilentBotts 138]

Is any one else dealing with acne post-op? I started breaking out on my forehead during the pre-op diet right before surgery. My understanding is this is because of hormones released during weight loss, so I expect it to go away when the weight loss tapers off. In the mean time can anyone recommend a cream or cleanser to help with it?

[provenzee 262]

It happened to me as well, which is weird because I never had breakouts. I didn't really do anything different except make sure I was drinking tons of Water. It seems to have gone away now, and I am 4.5 months out.

I took a cotton ball and dabbed alcohol on the bad spots to take out the oil when it got really bad.

[KristenLe 5,979]

It could be from hormones or from Biotin (if you're taking that). I read that can cause acne.

[Sparkles!! 77]

I agree with @@Kristen Le. I haven't had surgery yet, but I started trying to take supplements in advance, hoping to help stave off hair loss, if possible. I was on Biotin for less than a week and started getting some awful cystic acne. My skin isn't perfect, but it was never quite like that. I didn't even realize it was the Biotin until I read an article online and made the correlation. Once I stopped taking it, the cysts went away.

Now I drink bamboo tea. My hair, nails, and especially my face seem to prefer it.

[higher 966]

You can speak to a dermatologist about your skin and they could make recommendations. A good derm would be familiar with acne caused by weight loss and/or surgery.

I have had hormonal breakouts before and generally take good care of my skin. These are my favorite products:

Retinol or retinoids from my dermatologist.

Biologique Recherche P50 serum (this is a miracle product)

Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant for weekly treatment

Mario Badescu drying lotion for spot treatment of pimples

Guerlain Midnight Secret serum at night before moisturizing

Embryolisse Lait Creme as an everyday moisturizer

Boscia beauty oil for moisture

[higher 966]

Oh and for exfoliation:

Paula's Choice BHA 2% exfoliant

Exfolikate by Kate Somerville

[Time4SomethingBetter 3]

I started using the Vitamin Patches from PatchMD. I did great until I added the B12. The B12, whether shots, pills or Patches wreaked havoc with my skin. I'm still trying to get it cleared up. Biotin does it to me, too.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[SalOdyssey 441]

Stress could cause it.

I use Ethromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide gel daily for acne. There is also a Clyndamyacin- Benzoyl Peroxide gel as well.

I've found the Ethromycin gel eliminated 90+% of my acne.

[SilentBotts 138]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

[Clementine Sky 708]

As others have discussed, some of the supplements commonly taken by bariatric patients such as Biotin and B12 can cause acne breakouts or exacerbate existing skin problems. I have stayed far away from Biotin since it caused a horrific breakout two years ago when I took it to try to speed up hair growth after a hair cut. My dermatologist told me that biotin and excessive B Vitamins can cause acne breakouts in many people. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause breakouts, and losing weight can cause your hormones to fluctuate. For the most part, my acne has gotten better since having surgery, though. I have PCOS and have struggled with acne because of that for a while. I was taking medicine that cleared up my skin, but caused weight gain. I gradually went off that medicine post-surgery, and had some breakouts along the way.

Some things that have helped me -

- Simplifying my skincare routine. In the past I was using so many different products in a desperate hope for it clearing up my skin that they caused more problems than they resolved. Now I use rose Water on a cotton pad to clean my face in the morning, and only La Roche Posay products. I use their Effaclar face wash at night, and the toner a few times a week. I put a very thin layer of the spot treatment on as needed. Overdoing it with these products can lead to peeling, so I've learned to be careful. I also use a serum and moisturizer by this line.

- Being very careful with all Vitamins and supplements. I read through the labels and make sure they don't overdo it with B vitamins. The ones I've responded to the best are Garden of Life's Vitamin Code Multivitamin and Flintstones Complete with Iron (one or the other, not both). I take a Multivitamin, and Vitamin D, and peppermint oil supplement (for acne and other PCOS issues; you can find it on Amazon inexpensively). About 4 months post op I took a B-12 supplement for a week when I was trying to bounce back from being sick, and it caused a month's worth of acne. I've had very little Hair loss.

- Not using heavy makeup, creams, or anti-aging products. I'd been using some Lancome anti-aging products that came in a gift with purchase bag, and my dermatologist said it was far too heavy for my skin. He said to use lighter weight products and avoid ones designed to be anti-aging.

- Using fragrances sparingly. At the advice of my dermatologist I use fragrance-free laundry detergent and fabric softener because he said they can cause breakouts. I avoid putting things with fragrances on my face.

- Changing my pillowcases three times a week. I bought extra sets so I can change them out quickly.

- Using SLS free products. SLS in toothpaste and hair products can cause breakouts in some people with more sensitive skin. Loreal has an inexpensive, readily available line, and you can find many other options as well.

- Having a facial once a month by a reputable esthetician.