7 replies to this topic

[bwg77]

OK, I'm just wondering if anyone else has had the same experience with their cystic acne and Retin-A. As I stated, I'm a 30 yr. old guy that had terrible acne from the time I was 13-20. It ruined my teenage years. I can't recall a single happy memory from those years because every single moment I was disgusted with how I looked. I went on Accutane when I was 20. I was at maximum strength for the entire 6 month course and it was horrible at times. I had just about every major side effect. I didn't care though. I stuck it out and it was worth it. No more lumpy, disfigured looking face with red spots that lasted months.

My acne did get much beter through my twenties. By my mid to late twenties, everything had changed for me in regards to my appearance. I was extremely confindent for the first time in my life. I had mostly clear skin and was getting more attention than I knew what to do with For the first time in my life, I was that guy I hated in high school and college. I was someone that was known for looking good. I don't feel bad about saying that because I felt like I was due after having virtually no self-esteem from the time I was 13.

This year has not been so great though. The cysts are coming back and there doesn't seem to be much that stops them. I went back to the dermatologist in May and we began the whole Retin-a regimen with antibiotics. It did nothing except make my skin terribly dry and broke out instead of just broke out. I see I'm shutting myself off again from family and friends and dating. Everyone has gotten used to the clear, confident me. I had gotten used to the clear, confident me. I'm just so sad again. I know everyone says looks aren't everything and we shouldn't let our complexion effect us so much but the truth is it does matter. People do treat you differently and we certainly feel different. I almost wish my face had never gotten any better because its so cruel to have the cysts come back when things had turned around so nicely.

So, here I am again considering Accutane again. Yes, I do take all the usual vitamins, exercise several times a week, drink plenty of water, use BP, etc, etc. Currently, I'm trying BFG's regimen since it's at least a different approach. I just finished my first week with that.

I just want to know, did topicals like Retin-A work for anyone else with cystic acne or is that just the best the dermatologists have to offer short of Accutane for people like me?

Thanks. By the way, these forums are great. Wish it was around years ago.

[nogood]

I was about suggest BFG's regimen until I read to the end. Just keep with it. You might(problably) break out a few times with it, but eventually, your skin should calm down and you're going to get your clear skin back.
Just have some patience, try not to worry about your skin that much. I've seen people in my school with mild to moderate acne and they seem to get along with everyone. Stick with BFG's regimen and try to continue your life. Best of luck to you.

[sandyg1]

Yes, Retin A helped me. I too get the cysts, but just on my chin. The doctor put me on Retin A, and to tell you the truth, I didn't have much faith in the stuff. I still break out with the cysts, but instead of lasting for weeks, the cysts don't get as big and only last for a few days. You have to use it every night for about a month to see improvement. Don't give up.

[Smokeyjay]

Retin-A isn't usually used for cysts. But can take months before you actually see results. Retinoids and anti-biotics are pretty commonly prescribed, but really for mild/moderate acne. Derms usually try out some standard treatment first before moving to accutane.

Its unusual for guys to get a recurrence of acne in their 30s though. Not for women though.

You might wanna check up on that.

[Enlightened]

I use retonoids, I used to use retin a but switched to smething similar to retin a micro since it is not availablle in the UK. I have to say it cleared my face along with topical antibiotic (clindamycin) for the first 3 months. I think its best that your skin adapts to retin a (usually 3 months) before usng BFG's reg. Or you could try bfg's reg first but i suggest you do not do both straight away.

[HARVSPEX]

I went back to the dermatologist in May and we began the whole Retin-a regimen with antibiotics. It did nothing except make my skin terribly dry and broke out instead of just broke out.

I started Retin-A, but simply couldn't tolerate it. It irritated the hell out of my skin. The only topical retinoid that I've been able to handle is Differin (adapalene).

[AutonomousOne1980]

did you have any relationship problems recently?

parents dieing, or breakups with girlfriends?

[bwg77]

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate it. No Autonomous, this re-occurrence has happened during the happiest, most stress free time of my life. I have been doing BFG'g regimen for just over 4 weeks now. Aside from having one of the biggest cysts ever on my cheek, I'm very happy with how I look. The cyst on my cheek came on about 2.5 weeks in to the program, and I took it as a sign it was working to clean me out. As of last week I added some new elements to my regimen: gave up diary, drinking twice as much water as I normally would, began taking neem capsules, probiotics, and B5.

I've always had reservations about dairy products and acne just as many do. I did realize a couple of weeks ago that my problems really began again when I switched to a extremely low carb diet. I was trying to lean out as much as possible after putting on some good muscle weight. A huge part of my diet was cheese. It was a snack through the day, and I would also have it at meals too. So, I've heard many say how much better they feel after they give it up so we will see.

I'm drinking as much water as I possibly can constantly throughout the day. I've easily doubled or tripled my water intake. I can already tell a difference in that I have a nice healthy glow, and I'm eating less as a result too.

Neem. I've read a ton of stuff on neem, and it's blood purifying properties. I certainly don't have a problem giving it a try.

Probiotics. I've been on antibiotics heavily for almost a year now and not one dermatologist ever mentioned this. It seems only logical that it would help. I've worked with doctors for 7 years and you'd think I'd know better than to expect them to have any common sense

B5. I'm sure everyone has read about supplementing this to your diet. I'm really don't think I'll take 10+ grams a day of the stuff. That just seems a little extreme and expensive. I'll try 2-4 and see how it goes.

My theory with all this is that I'm attacking this problem from just about every angle possible. After a couple of months, I will try diary again and see if I flare up. Then, I'll drop the others and so on. I think I'll continue drinking as much water as possible though. Its just good for you anyway plus you eat less.