Question: Omega-3 and acne

[sassysmom]

Hi all. Just wondering: My 16 yr old dd has had acne problems in the past and she is being treated by a dermatologist for it. After most of the summer without it, we started giving her Nordic Naturals omega-3 twice a day. It seems to me that up until that time her face looked great, no sign of the acne. For the past few weeks it's been terrible. Nothing else has changed. Last year she took a different brand of omega-3 but only once a day. She's also on Strattera and Prozac but has been at the same amounts for several months.
Maybe I'm just trying to lay blame to something. Of course her anxiety was quite high with the start of a new school year too. Has anyone had any experience with this?
Thanks for any thoughts.

[ohmama]

Sassymom,
If you would like to research this, a good site to look for information on both the omega 3 as well as the acne....

www.lef.org

Just type in your search word (acne or omega 3) when you get to that site. The amount of information is amazing. You'll be well informed and feel better about giving supplements.

[gabrielsmom]

Hi Sassymom:

I don't know if there is a connection with omega 3 and acne but I wanted to ask you if you have tried Proactive for her acne.

I have had bad acne since my son was born 9 yrs ago. I tried everything on the market and the dermatologist but nothing helped. Then I bought the Proactive....it worked for me maybe it will work for your daughter. Just wanted to let you know.

[sassysmom]

Thanks for your responses. Ohmama, I played around a bit with that website yesterday - really interesting stuff there! But I haven't yet found any connection between omega-3 and acne.
Gabrielsmom: I thought about the Proactive, as I've seen it advertised, but the topical meds she is on now are stronger and in the past have been very effective (and covered by insurance). I also know a couple of kids it hasn't worked for. I'm making another appt for her - we'll see what happens.

ALSO...Am I going nuts or has everything that was "omega" changed to "ohmama"??!!

[ohmama]

Sassysmom,
I didn't find any connection with this essential fish oil and acne either. (I'm trying to avoid using the word.) I wanted you to see for yourself though. I hate it when people just tell me what they think, I always want to see for myself. Stubborn I guess. So, continue to take the oil. Did you find any information on zinc being helpful on that site?

Yes, something is wrong with the omega word turning into the word ohmama. No one can figure it out but it seems to be fixed now. One of those moderator jokes. Aren't they cute?

[eaccae]

I am wiht Gabrielsmom! I, too, have had terrible acne on and off throughout my life. I have seen several dermatologists, been on very strong topicals, on medication . . . and the VERY best thing for my skin has been the Proactive. In my entire life - my skin has not looked better. I actually think this works much better than the stronger stuff I was using before (precription from my dermatologist). I know I sound like a commercial but from someone who has struggled for over 20 years and used almost everything that the dermatologist could possibly prescribe (I'm in my late thirties now) - I cannot tell you the difference in my face.

Just something to think about.

[catatonic]

I haven't heard of a connection between Omega-3 and acne. On the other hand, there is some indication that acne may be associated with Omega-6 deficiency, and that supplementation with Evening Primrose Oil might help with this. (Evening Primrose Oil has the additional advantage of helping with other menstrual problems like cramping.) I take a 500mg EPO each day and my cyclic breakouts have virtually disappeared.

(If you want to read a study about Omega-6 and acnes, look here:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=2142029 )

[sassysmom]

Thanks for your advice!
Ohmama, I did see the info on zinc and it's possible effectiveness in treating acne - but I'll have to read up some more on it.
Catatonic the evening promrose sounds promising because along with everything else, sarah has very painful periods - to the point where she has missed several days of school. However, trying to get her to take yet another "pill" will be a challenge.

[jdmom]

Hey you guys - there is a generic form of Proactive out now. I bought it at Wal-Mart. I'm not sure what it is called, I'll look tonight. But the box says on it - "Compare to Proactive". It only cost $14.95. I've only been using it a week, but so far I think I like it just as well. The only thing is - they don't have the mask that you can purchase extra through Poractive.

[catatonic]

What's Proactive?

[jdmom]

It is an over-the-counter acne medication. I guess medication is not the right word. It contains a cleanser, a toner, and a moisturizer. It works really well. They have info-mercials on the TV about it all the time. I know Jessica Simpson uses it, and there are several other "famous" people who use it also. Brittany Spears, I think? And what's the chick's name that is the spokesperson? I can't remember...mmm, maybe Vanessa Williams?

You can only get it by mail order. They do not sell it in stores. It's around $45 a month, I think.

I fogot to look at the name of the generic again. You'd think since I'm using it evenings and mornings that I would remember to look. It comes in a white box, the bottles are white. It says "Compare to Proactive" on the box.

[eaccae]

I'll have to check it out. But I'm spoiled - at the ripe old age of 36 my mother (yes, you read correctly) - my mother has it autoshipped to me monthly. I guess she is just like us and saw it on QVC years ago so she bought it! It has done such wonders - but of course when it ran out I didn't buy it again so dear old mom decided she was gong to have it autoshipped. I guess we, as mothers ourselves, will probably never be too old to spoil our kids when we know they aren't going to do it . . .

Anyway - back to topic - definitely post the brand name!

[jdmom]

It is called AcneFree! ;D

(whew - I remembered!)