Hi Julie, I mostly lurk but I wanted to add that at around at 35 my skin started breaking out and then in early 40's, it was mostly cystic. For me, it's the chin area. I spent years visiting my dermo and then one day did a ton of research on the internet and tried this and it worked for me:
Daily:
1 tab of flaxseed oil
1 tab of 50 mg zinc (I read that women have lower zinc intake than men)
1 tab of apple cider vinegar (I would also drink a shot of vinegar before I finally bought the pill version. This helps with the acidic content of the body, balancing it.
1 tab of Saw Palmetto (100 mgs if you can find it - if you find the 450 mg - then take that every other day). This is an example of what I read on the internet and verified with a nutritionist:
Saw Palmetto: Other possible uses (based on tradition, scientific theories or limited research). Acne, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, asthma, bladder inflammation, breast feeding, breast enlargement or reduction, bronchitis, cancer, cough, diabetes, digestive aid, diarrhea, excess hair growth, expectorant, high blood pressure, hormone irabalances (estrogen or testosterone), immune stimulation, impotence, indigestion, menstrual pain, migraine headache, muscle or intestinal spasms, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, polycystic ovarian syndrome, postnasal drip, sedation, sexual vigor, sore throat, sperm production, testicular atrophy, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary antiseptic, uterine or vaginal disorders."
The only side affect for me has been an favorable increase in my breast size. I'm in my mid-40's now. I went on this in Summer 07. In Summer 08 I had a cyst that needed an injection. I returned to the dermo and he said "wow, your skin looks great and you haven't been here in over a year". I told him: "I have always thought it was hormonal acne and you never once suggested alternative measures"! I was so desperate before this regimen - hormonal blood tests are not completely accurate in that your homrones can be normal on Friday and a mess on Monday next! I also had horrible PPMD which has eased up dramatically since I started. Then my skin became so "normal" that I became lax and stopped taking it. Once I stopped, the cystic acne returned so I am back on it now. For me, I feel my testosterone levels are high. My sex drive has diminished but I chalk that up to hormones as well. The trade off is well worth it. Also, when I get a cyst, I will use white vinegar full strength on the spot which dried it out more quickly - you can dilute with water. Also, tea tree oil works well - I prefer vinegar lol
Good luck
