Since my sobriety my skin has been awful. It’s such a fucked up irony that was skin was flawless when I was drinking but now I’m getting cystic acne. I drink water and work out and have been trying to drink celery juice though not consistent. I also just started trying bentonite clay masks as well.
But any other tips are greatly appreciated!
I’ve heard this can happen while your body is trying to regulate its hormones in the beginning… just wondering how long this will last. 
How long are you sober? You can help detox your body by milkthistle supplements or drinking nettle or dandelion tea.
You might also benefit from adjusting your diet. You a male or female?
My recommendation as a skin care professional:
Taking B vitamins, zinc, and probiotics can help manage your breakouts.
I would need to see your skin to give you the best advice but in general I would recommend a cleanser with 1-2% salicylic acid in the morning, a gentle cream based cleanser for night. Vitamin C serum daily. Anything anti-inflammatory. And a low dosage of retinol at night is helpful (spf 25-30 is a must if you use a retinol)
Clays are good for detoxing and healing the skin but if you are having hormone related breakouts it may not be effective, they are more helpful with what we call “p acne” which is bacterial related.
Eat Kale with your dinner. Avoid putting anything on your face like clay masks because you will block your pores which need to breathe. You could put moisturiser on.
I’m sorry to disagree. But as this is my area of expertise I have to say that clay masks do not block the pores, they actually help to unblock them by absorbing excess oil and debris in the pores. Also, pores do not ‘breathe’ (the skin itself absorbs, there is no expiration happening though) but becoming clogged with sebum, dead skin, and debris can potentially cause issues leading to blackheads and acne.
Moisturizer is something everyone should use 
Have you tried probiotics? May be worth a shot, often times skin issues can start from your intestinal health. Certainly not always though! My skin acted up while drinking and sober but good gut health fixed it.
I remember having cystic acne when I was pregnant with my first child. Nothing helped until she was born. Do you think you have recently had any hormonal changes?
I’ve also heard of people improving their acne by removing dairy products from their diet. Can’t hurt to try.
I’m 2 months sober. Female… and I eat very healthy. I cut out gluten and dairy from my diet. I take probiotics but need to get more . (Am I supposed to like open a capsule and rub it on my skin?)
Also I won’t stop with the clay mask because it’s the only thing that seems to be helping. I guess I’ll just try doing it every evening for a bit.
Does retinol help with blackheads? Like clogged pores? And I’m on the hunt for a fairly inexpensive choice for vitamin c serum. Any suggestions welcome.
Yes to retinol. Do you have health ins.? Can you see a Dermatologist? It sounds like your liver is still detoxing and/or adjusting to its new diet… what do you think? Has your sugar and caffeine intake increased (the norm after quitting)? Sorry if I missed that in your post or following comments.
I used to have bad skin and drinking made it worse. I still struggle with it during certain times of the month and with working out 3-4 days a week. Esp on my back 
Be consistent with your cleansing… my Dermatologist prescribed certain stuff, but also recommended OTC: PanOxyl twice a day (leave on for 1-2 minutes).
Apple cider vinegar and lemon water are good for the liver and skin. Keep up with the water intake 
(raises hand) Does anyone have more tips on this? I’m, um… asking for a friend.
Lol I’ve been wanting to ask the workout thread, but haven’t yet. PanOxyl on the back for 1-2 minutes twice a day is what was recommended to me. I tend to run errands after my workouts, but should shower right after. Sunlight was another rec, but I get plenty already 
I definitely have a sweet tooth but Considering how many sugary alcoholic drinks I drank I’ve definitely cut down. And I started drinking caffeine again, but only one cup of coffee or green tea.
Also ACV(apple cider vinegar) in my water. I don’t get the chance to shower right after my workouts but maybe I should get some sort of quick face wipe.
Bentonite clay is that jam. I want to get some food grade quality so I can start drinking it for detox and hopefully that will change the game!
Showering after working out and a clean shirt is huge. Bacteria, oil, sweat and friction = bacne. Also your detergent could be irritating your skin with any artificial fragrances and harsh ingredients.
Also possible food allergies.
Im 90 days sober and just starting to get more clear skin. Acne wasn’t the issue as much as just general greasiness. Yugh…
It’s good to know that it can get better… I’m hoping that just being in the sunshine more will help as well. I just figured if I stopped drinking, started working, doing yoga and eating healthy I would have glowing skin. 
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My skin was so much better when I was drinking. The irony is ridiculous.
Certain probiotics strains are formulated into skin care products and are effective. What you have is likely meant to be taken internally which can also be effective because our skin is a reflection of our gut health.
Retinol is amazing for blackheads, acne and anti-aging. Having a good balance of hydration and exfoliating a couple times a week will also prevent blackheads.
A fairly inexpensive vitamin C that is effective is unfortunately difficult to find. Vitamin C is difficult to maintain stability and have the right delivery system to be chirally correct when in skin care. It’s one of the things I highly recommend people buy from a professional to be sure you are getting what you pay for.
Does it get worse at some point during your hormonal cycle?
Edit 2 to 3 months sober i got some pimples which i usually havent at all. I remember joking im starting to literally live my new youth. So it might be just what u said, a hormonal system balancing itself and liver detoxing. I also ate a lot of sweets and chocolate during first months, but have skipped them now that i dont have anymore alcohol cravings.
Yeah it does get worse around my cycle, but it’s all around just shittier since I’ve been sober.
Definitely feel like I’m 13 again.
Is it weird that I don’t crave alcohol. I never actually liked drinking I just liked being drunk.
I definitely have a sweet tooth tho since my sugar intake plummeted since I became sober. I used to consume so much sugar in these drinks. So gross.
I got one of those .99 Arizona Iceteas that’s like Energy with Yerba Mate in a yellow can and I literally was triggered so hard and felt so grossed out because it tasted EXACTLY like the 10% orange screw driver Clubtails I used to drink allll the time… just without carbonation. Ugh they are so disgusting. I was so ratchet
Well, you can now take it as a bad dream 
but sugar in all is one of the acne triggers cause it messes up your metabolism. Maybe try to decrease the amount or take a break for couple of weeks to see how it affects?