Crossdressing reducing acne?

[Feather]

Is this at all possible?

I've had moderate acne for years. I have tried to go through periods without dairy, chocolate, pork, meat in general, sugar, etc. and I haven't really noticed much differences. However, past two months I've cross dressed a lot (in the past it was every now and then, and very short due to guilt). I always wear some female clothing under my regular 'male' clothing. God bless the winter for this possibility. I have also removed body hair. Could it be that these things have a psychological effect on me which in turn changes my skin? I have practically zero acne right now. I know this may sound way off but I find it an entertaining correlation..!

[Jess42]

More than likely less stress. Dressing and hair removal may be a trigger for stress relief and in turn it is possible that pent up stress is being relieved and causing less acne. Also could be that since embracing your femininity somewhat is allowing you to concentrate on better skin care. Who knows other than a dermatologist? I don't know your age but could be you grew out of it.

[Jill F]

Stress often results in increased cortisol levels, which can cause acne breakouts.

Seems you may be relieving stress by dressing en femme.

[Ave]

Testosterone is pretty much the hormone regulating oil glands, thus it along with genetic predisposal cause acne. Say bob has x amount of t and Tim has the same, Tim might get acne solely because of his genes. It could be that your hormones settle down as you age?

[Feather]

Yeah I wondered whether it's an age thing (mid20s) but it's been a rather abrupt change, coinciding with me going through a very 'feminine' period, and these periods tend to go back and forth, but it seems to get stronger each time. As for stress, I still experience a lot of stress at university and other obligations. I could drop the dressing and see it it comes back and grow all that nasty hair back.. hehe. But I don't want too!

[maxjohnson]

Stress is a big factor, but it could be a food you're 'allergic' to.

Good probiotics can help also.

[barbie]

My case was the opposite. I had acne at my teens, and no longer had it. But after starting crossdressing at age 40, acne recurred. I guess the problem was that I applied several types of skin care product. Looking at my acne, some people around me suspected that I were taking HRT, but that was not the case.

Nowadays I sometimes have one or two pimples in my face.

barbie~~

[JesseG]

Ever since I've been dressing a lot more I've been moisturizing and exfoliating often (pretty much daily), and yes, that has had a good effect on reducing breakouts. Helps in any area you may have stubble