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Hello everyone! I have a been a member of acne.org for quite some time now, but never really did more than read the reviews and message boards. I've never made friends here, or posted anything, but after the past few months, I feel obligated to give back to this community. I want to offer some hope to those in desperation.
I can't say that my story will be everyone's experience, but I think it's worth sharing to let people know that there's a great option available. A little background on my acne: I first started experiencing break-outs at the age of 11/5th grade. Since then, it seems as though my acne has gotten progressively worse, and honestly, it's been miserable. Anyone with moderate to severe acne knows the crippling affect it has. There have been countless times that I've avoided social situations, including friends and family. I don't let anyone see me without make-up, and I mean no one, not even my mother.
I was constantly trying over-the-counter methods, convinced that eventually I would grow out of my acne. I couldn't understand why my high school friends' acne was seemingly getting better as they aged, while mine got worse. I tried everything from ProActiv to Carley's Smooth & Clear, as well as at-home remedies, including baking soda, honey, and lemons. It's been a rollercoaster. But one night, last summer, with tears pouring out of my eyes, I decided I couldn't take it anymore. I was terrified to publicly acknowledge my problem, but I just couldn't handle it on my own anymore. I asked my mother to schedule me a dermatologist appointment. I was anxious and nervous. I couldn't really imagine that it would help, but it was my last hope.
For months, I let my dermatologist experiment with my skin. Started off with Minocycline, then moved to Doxycycline, which I'm currently on, but am coming off! (More on that, later) As far as topicals, I went through Ziana, Aczone, both forms of Differin, Duac.. everything they typically give you, as well as a BP wash. I wasn't experiencing significant improvement, and I was ready to give up, and just ask for Spiro, but I was terrified of blood tests, as well as having to take an oral med long-term.
Finally, at the end of June, I was prescribed Tazorac. I read review after review, hoping this might be the answer. I started off with short-contact therapy, leaving the .1% cream on for about 5-10 minutes after washing and moisturizing my face. Gradually, I started to leave it on overnight. I didn't experience any redness, more so the opposite.. my face started to become more even-toned, although there was a dreadful purging process. My forehead and cheeks were covered in zits for about 1-2 weeks. But now, after 6 weeks, I can say that my skin is the clearest it's EVER been in 10 years. It's definitely not perfect, but Tazorac requires at least 12 weeks for full-results to begin. The only true side effect I've experienced is slight dryness. The lack of severe peeling and redness is probably due to my skin one, being used to retinoids, and two, gradually building up to overnight application. Plus, my skin is tough! My most recent derm. appointment was Monday, Aug. 8. She said I'm showing major improvements, and that she doesn't want to see me for 3 months! Once I go back, if I'm still doing this well, I get to be "let go." SO. EXCITING.
I never really thought there was an answer for my acne. I always thought it was just something I would have to endure, that my break-outs were forever, forever and uncontrollable. I know my acne isn't cured, it's simply being maintained, but I'm so excited to not have to slather on powder for an hour anymore to cover my face. I can tell that I won't have to wear any make-up soon, and I'm seriously.. in shock. I still don't think this has set in yet.
This is all to say, there's hope for you. If you're experiencing moderate acne, like me, try Tazorac. I was bumped up to .1% gel at my last appointment, but I'm coming off the antibiotics in October. I know this isn't the answer for everyone, and I'm sure not everyone's skin will behave as well as mine has, as far as the redness & dryness. I have also had zero peeling. I think I've finally found my answer, and I simply had to share this with my fellow acne-sufferers. There's a chance that this could be your answer! Don't be discouraged if the first few weeks give you more break-outs. I can see my face getting better every day, and that's never been the case for me.
My full regimen:
AM:
Cetaphil Face Wash
Acanya Gel
Cerave Moisturizer
Everyday Minerals Ivory Base
PM:
Cetaphil Face Wash
Cerave Moisturizer
Wait 20 minutes
Tazorac .1% Gel
Doxycycline 150 mg
2 Weeks After Use of Taz .1% Cream:
I know these don't look DREADFUL, but the pictures don't show the bumps very well, which were all-over. At the 6 week mark, I have zero bumps and any I do get, fade overnight.
Right Cheek
Left Cheek
Forehead
Front of Face
4 Weeks After Use of Taz .1% Cream
Right Cheek
Left Cheek
Forehead
Front of Face
6 Weeks After Use of Taz .1% Cream, then switched to .1% Gel (with light dusting of Everyday Minerals base)
Right Cheek:
Left Cheek:
Forehead:
Front of Face:
As you can tell, I still have some hyperpigmentation and shallow scarring, but I'm really looking forward to what I'm going to look like at 12 weeks, and the weeks following. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Again, just want to say that this treatment is a process; my skin isn't perfect, but it's such an improvement for me. I hope someone can see this as a beacon of hope.
Edited by bridge_lizabeth, 16 August 2011 - 01:14 PM.
