4 replies to this topic

[pompeydan]

Hi, I'm new to these forums, and thought id tell everyone how my experience goes. Have had moderate acne for 5 years (im 19) on and off. Sometimes seems to randomly get better then flare up again at the drop of a hat.
Finally decided to see my GP about it; in the past have tried just about everything over the counter: clearasil, neutrogena, hit the spot, oxy for men, freederm, BP, clean & clear... list goes on, probably to almost no use as most people will have had to come to realise.
Have an appointment next week so I will let everybody know what advice I am given and if any prescriptions work. Wish me luck!

[pompeydan]

So, saw doctor this morning, was really helpful and good to actually talk to someone about the problems. He gave me alot of information and a leaflet to read through, and everything was easy to understand.
I have been given a prescription for Duac - clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide, topical treatment. He said to start off with a daily application before bed and warned about the bleaching effects so know about that thankfully.
He said that I need to apply a thin film to the areas of my face which regularly break out, not just the existing spots, as the effects of Duac are more of a prevention of new spots forming and fighting the cause rather than treating the existing ones. The improvement in existing spots follows as a side effect to clearer pores and less bacteria, and obviously time.

So now waiting to pick up my prescription and I start on it tonight I know its a lengthy treatment, and that signs of improvement can take up to months to show if at all, so Im enthusiastic and hopeful of seeing clear skin again but not over-optimistic.

As well as starting this, Ive switched to a softer cleansing face wash and have an oil-free light moisturiser to prevent my skin drying out to much.
Ive also been drinking Grean Tea the last few days, and Ive got to say, its so refreshing! Seems to bring more life to my face if you get what I mean, and I actually quite like the taste!

So a new exciting start today, Ill update as to how its going Dan

[pompeydan]

A few days in, this is the regimen im using:

Morning
Shower: exfoliate with olay regenerist cleanser - gets rid of dead skin cells and helps unblock pores
wash with Olay Gentle Cleansers Refreshing Face Wash - alcohol free, gentle wash
Sink: wipe over skin with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
wet face with lukewarm water and appply jojoba oil - this stuff is brilliant! makes skin feel so smooth and is absorbed quickly leaving a refreshed look without being oily or shiny


Night
Shower: wash with Olay Gentle Cleansers Refreshing Face Wash again
Before bed: apply a reasonable amount of Duac cream to any areas of face which are problem areas

Also, I've been applying a small amount of Hit the Spot Oil Free Moisturizer in the middle of the day - this stuff has Teatree Oil and Witch Hazel in it so helps to treat the existing spots and doesnt block pores so very useful addition. I've also been drinking green tea daily, probably a couple of mugs a day.

Although its only been a few days, the difference already is great. Ive hardly had any new spots, my pores look so much smaller and less dark, and my skin is so much smoother and refreshed looking than before. The existing spots are reduced in size and fading all the time.

So overall it seems to be doing well. Duac has been much kinder to my skin than the 2.5% BP PanOxyl I previously used; less red and less dry skin, although im not sure if this is to do with the jojiba oil as this seems to make my skin so smooth and hydrated.

The only problem Ive had is that I had a problem area to the side of my nose, below my eyelid. The Duac applied to this area made my eyelid very sore and red, and its taking a long time to go down. Might just have not been used to it.

Im very happy so far with Duac and going to continue on this regime optimisticly.

If anyone else has had a good time with Duac, or the other parts of my regime Id love to hear

Dan

[HeyOh21]

Very interesting to read Dan

Almost sound like my skin because i used duac (Ages ago) and i applied some under my left eye area and i still have this dry read mark that goes under my eye. It kinda looks like sun burn but my skin is very senative tho so i wouldn't worry. Just try and keep it as far away from the eye area as possible.

I only stuck to the duac for a week (i dunno why i stopped, i must of just gave up hope i guess). Nut keep at it and let us all know how it goes.

Good luck!

[Arcade]

Hi there, welcome to the forums! I use the following products:

Nuetrogena On-The-Spot Cleanser
Neutrogena RapidClear (for individual spots)
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil Free Moisturiser

I get them all from Boots or Superdrug, I have to say they've done an amazing job at the very start of the regimen, although the moisturiser isn't enough to stop flakes without some BP.

I'll have a look at that Oil Cleansing Method, it sounds like just what I need so thankyou!

And it's a real coincidence that your so nearby, I've only talked to about 15 people on here, I think your the first one who's even from England . Where do you get your jojoba oil from? Do you buy it online or get it from a store?

Hehe just seen that you've been on here for 2 years, I've only been here since last November. Good luck with your progress and that Duac sounds great .