14 replies to this topic

[abigailwheeler]

Went to my dermatologist today. I went with a list of things I'd tried - prescriptions, supplements, dietary changes, topicals, makeup, cleansers etc etc. I brought my whole wash bag (it's a biggun!) and my makeup bag.

I also went with my skin diary. And I asked for Roaccutane. She said that although I'd dabbled with oxytetracycline I'd need to be on an antibiotic for four months before I was considered for Roaccutane. (I only took it for two months and it wasn't on my records as I'd been given my housemate's old stash).

I explained my fears that Epiduo and antibiotics would mask my problem and the acne would return as soon as I stopped taking them. She said that it wasn't usual but that it's the first step I need to take before I get roaccutane.

I'm just so exhausted with messing around with things that 'might give improvement'. I can't be on antibiotics and topicals forever. Also if my skin improves in the next three months, she won't be likely to refer me to get Roaccutane and then my skin is likely to relapse and therefore it's an even longer wait to heal.

I'm a little bit frustrated right now. I don't have high hopes.

I asked her about my Clinique things and the home made toner I'm using (Rooibos tea, lemon juice and ACV), she said that it was up to me what I used because you have to get to know your skin and what it needs. But she did say that using harsh chemicals aren't good - that I should use the most simple cleanser with no soap - nothing that lathers or foams (that rules out EVERYTHING I currently use!) and that toners aren't really necessary.

She also said that supplements probably aren't necessary and if I havne't seen a huge improvement I should save my money and just get a normal multivitamin.

Good news is that Lymecycline has recently been deemed safe to use with birth control pills. Yay.

Does any one have any experiences to share about Lymecycline?

New plan:
Simple Cleanser
My home made toner (I like it, will just dilute it more with tea to downgrade the acidity)
Epiduo at night
Cetaphil Moisturiser

Lymecycline
Yasmin

Multivitamin

This will drastically shorten my signature!

[princessdaphne]

If you're still looking for a simple cleanser that doesn't foam, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser doesn't and is very gentle, hence the name Some people don't like it, but many do including me, and it's definitely simple and gentle! Good luck with your skin!

[Rise_Above]

Ahhh, the old Tetralysal 300. I've grown so used to seeing that box, haha. I've been accustomed to this drug for the past 4 years. Apparently you're only meant to take it for like 5 months at a time, but whenever I failed to get my prescription, within about a week my acne began to flare up again. It worked for such a long time for me; maybe i'm lucky I didn't get resistant sooner? However, my face broke out with acne in the past 4 months and it stopped working for me However, it did wonders for me when I only had body acne! Just make sure you take it on an empty stomach, and never with dairy or zinc products, because they de-nature the antibiotic and make it useless, dairy especially Just take it with a full glass of water when you awake and then wait an hour before eating (horrible, I know) or when you go to bed at least 2 hours after eating. This is the only issue I had with it; taking it at the right time. The only other issue is the horrible smell/taste of it, on an empty stomach, especially if you hiccup, haha! Good luck using it though! I'd take it for at least the 5 months (if it works) and then come off it; if your skin goes bad again go for Roaccutane. That's what i'm about to do.

Also, check out this thread for info on Tetralysal 300: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/Lymecycli...al-t135209.html

Edited by Rise_Above, 21 August 2011 - 05:49 PM.

[abigailwheeler]

Ahhh, the old Tetralysal 300. I've grown so used to seeing that box, haha. I've been accustomed to this drug for the past 4 years. Apparently you're only meant to take it for like 5 months at a time, but whenever I failed to get my prescription, within about a week my acne began to flare up again. It worked for such a long time for me; maybe i'm lucky I didn't get resistant sooner? However, my face broke out with acne in the past 4 months and it stopped working for me However, it did wonders for me when I only had body acne! Just make sure you take it on an empty stomach, and never with dairy or zinc products, because they de-nature the antibiotic and make it useless, dairy especially Just take it with a full glass of water when you awake and then wait an hour before eating (horrible, I know) or when you go to bed at least 2 hours after eating. This is the only issue I had with it; taking it at the right time. The only other issue is the horrible smell/taste of it, on an empty stomach, especially if you hiccup, haha! Good luck using it though! I'd take it for at least the 5 months (if it works) and then come off it; if your skin goes bad again go for Roaccutane. That's what i'm about to do.

Also, check out this thread for info on Tetralysal 300: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/Lymecycli...al-t135209.html

Thanks for the reply,

I've been taking mine before lunch... I've been really confused about when to take it and about food. I did some research and it said don't take with dairy which is fine because I don't have any dairy in my diet anyway. Do I have to wait 2 hours after taking it to eat as well?

I have had the whole after taste thing, it's so rank.

How clear are you now?

[PaulH85]

Really glad I saw this, for two reasons: First because I have experience with it and second, Abi, you've also given me some information there which could be very useful and I think it might help me make a decision as to what I want to do next.

I started taking Lymecycline about nine months ago I think. It was after I started posting regularly on the Org and I'd read loads of stuff about medications, regimens, diets and all that. I guess it inspired me and I'd seen what other people were doing and how it was helping their skin, and I just thought, 'Right, I need to start doing something about this, once and for all!'

I'd taken other medications at various points between 15 and 18 - Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Oxytetracycline, and something else I think. They're probably all pretty much the same thing. Cheapest option, easy option, whatever. At that point the doctors would just casually shrug it off as teenage pimples and it was a case of , "Yeah, take this, it'll clear up, or you'll grow out of it".

It always came back after each course, worse than before. At that point I didn't have a clue about any other options so I just left it. Then this time I had more information and knowledge, and of course I was going back with full-blown adult acne so the approach had to be different by default.
I went in there with all the information I'd gained and was trying as best as I could to be authorititive about it. Generally, that's the last thing I am, but I felt like I had to take control of the situation and my skin. I asked the doctor if I should get tested for allergies or intollerances and he said that wasn't relevant or necessary. I asked about Accutane and he said my skin wasn't bad enough. So, for all my intention of taking charge, that was that and I ended up with Lymecycline.

As far as the practicalities of taking it are concerned, I got confused as to when I was supposed to take it, but found that I couldn't take it on an empty stomach and that I had to make sure I realy washed it down because if it sticks around, the after-taste is absoloutly vile. Other than that, I had no problems and no side effects. I once made the mistake of taking a pill without water because I was in a rush and I regretted that for the rest of the day. Never felt so sick in all my life!

It helped for the first couple of month, gradually. It still wasn't stopping the cycle of weekly breakouts though, and I think I contributed more to stopping those by changing my diet a little and taking vitamins and supplements. For most of the course, it was alright, at best. The doctor gave me a six month prescription and then renewed it for another three without even wanting to see me. Then when I went and saw another doctor about something else last month, she suggested I stop, and just use Isotretinoin gel as a topical.

Two weeks after finishing the course, I guess it's out of my system now because my acne is now the worst it's ever been. Seriously, 13 years and it's never looked like this. Hurts in a way I've never felt as well, and it looks horrible. Totally lost and, with various other things going on in my life, it's pretty much pushing me to the edge.

That's why I'm glad I saw your post because it's making me want to consider what I do next. I've never felt so defeated - about my skin and about life in general - but I might not be out of options where my skin treatment is concerned after all. Credit to you also for getting as much information as you did, sounds like you took the time to explain your situation and in return your doctor took the time to address your points. That's good to see.

You never know, maybe the Lymecycline will do enough to fix your current skin problems. I guess it's not beyond the realms of possibility. If it doesn't work, it sounds as though your doctor would then be willing to look at other options and that Roaccutane would probably be the choice. Interesting how she mentioned the four month thing. Goes to show how doctors don't seem to follow a set pattern. Mine was happy to send me away with nine months worth of drugs and not even want to check if it was working! I guess I could now go back there and say, "I've tried these different medications over all these years, and you've had me on this one for nine months, and it's worse than ever".

I feel the same way you do I suppose. Exhausted by it all. Like you say, we can't be taking antibiotics and trying different topicals forever. Well, I guess we could, but I don't see why we should! I think a lot of it comes down to how we approach these things mentally and I've never been strong enough to just go about my business regardless of what my skin looks like, so it really does need fixing for good.
In terms of how I'm responding to that now, I'm locked away indoors and the outside world doesn't exist. I know it's not healthy and I know it may even be adding to the problem, but I just don't want anyone to see me. I was searching random things about Accutane earlier and what the process on the NHS is, and I read an article which said that a docotor would want to explore all other avneues first, and that they wouldn't refer a patient to a dermatologist unless:

* Acne has persisted for several years, or arises in an individual over 25 years old
* Patient has Dysmorphophobic acne
* When the acne has a significant adverse occupational, social or psychological effect on the patient's life

I can tick all three boxes there, without doubt. That's why I've been so confused all this time as to why my doctor shrugged off my suggestion of Accutane like it would never be an option.
Not wishing to pick fights or make it sound like a competition, but I've seen people here posting Accutane logs and I'm looking at the "before" pictures thinking, 'You don't even have acne! How come you got Accutane but I didn't?!' Maybe that's the difference between NHS care here and private care in the States - you get given whatever you're willing to pay for.

I suppose my concern is the initial breakout on Accutane, and the side effects. If I can't cope with acne as it is, I don't know if I'm strong enough to cope with Accutane, should the side effects and breakout happen.

Anyway, I'll quit rambling and hijacking your thread because this is stupidly long, even by my standards!

I hope things are going alright with the Lymecycline and that you start to see some improvements.

Edited by PaulH85, 22 August 2011 - 06:08 AM.

[Rise_Above]

Ahhhh I see Well the instructions say that "The normal dose is one Tetralysal capsule once a day, preferably in the morning. Tetralysal capsules should always be taken with a glass of water." I usually take mine when I go to bed with water, although I might switch to the mornings now i've read this.

Generally I thought the assumption was that Lymecycline was trickier than Minocycline/Doxycycline because it has to be taken around times when food is not taken into the body? That's what i've always read up/heard about. I guess it's kinda the opposite to Accutane, which is best taken with a fatty meal. It's to be taken one hour before eating food, or two hours after I believe, something to do with the absorption of food within the body. The prescription note on the box of mine also reads "Do NOT take indigestion remedies or medicines containing iron or zinc, 2 hours before or after you take this medicine." So I guess foods with iron or zinc could disrupt the intake into the body, resulting in the waiting period before/after eating. As for me personally, Tetralysal was great before I stated getting facial acne. It pretty much cleared up the majority of my minor/moderate body acne as long as I was consistent in taking it. Good luck!

Edited by Rise_Above, 22 August 2011 - 06:20 AM.

[MissMix]

Went to my dermatologist today. I went with a list of things I'd tried - prescriptions, supplements, dietary changes, topicals, makeup, cleansers etc etc. I brought my whole wash bag (it's a biggun!) and my makeup bag.

I also went with my skin diary. And I asked for Roaccutane. She said that although I'd dabbled with oxytetracycline I'd need to be on an antibiotic for four months before I was considered for Roaccutane. (I only took it for two months and it wasn't on my records as I'd been given my housemate's old stash).

I explained my fears that Epiduo and antibiotics would mask my problem and the acne would return as soon as I stopped taking them. She said that it wasn't usual but that it's the first step I need to take before I get roaccutane.

I'm just so exhausted with messing around with things that 'might give improvement'. I can't be on antibiotics and topicals forever. Also if my skin improves in the next three months, she won't be likely to refer me to get Roaccutane and then my skin is likely to relapse and therefore it's an even longer wait to heal.

I'm a little bit frustrated right now. I don't have high hopes.

I asked her about my Clinique things and the home made toner I'm using (Rooibos tea, lemon juice and ACV), she said that it was up to me what I used because you have to get to know your skin and what it needs. But she did say that using harsh chemicals aren't good - that I should use the most simple cleanser with no soap - nothing that lathers or foams (that rules out EVERYTHING I currently use!) and that toners aren't really necessary.

She also said that supplements probably aren't necessary and if I havne't seen a huge improvement I should save my money and just get a normal multivitamin.

Good news is that Lymecycline has recently been deemed safe to use with birth control pills. Yay.

Does any one have any experiences to share about Lymecycline?

New plan:
Simple Cleanser
My home made toner (I like it, will just dilute it more with tea to downgrade the acidity)
Epiduo at night
Cetaphil Moisturiser

Lymecycline
Yasmin

Multivitamin

This will drastically shorten my signature!

The reason I broke out was from Clinique. I was completely clear before then. I used the 3-Step Regimen and the Even Better Foundation. I used MAC for 2 years I don't know what compelled me to change, but I am fully regretting it.

[abigailwheeler]

Really glad I saw this, for two reasons: First because I have experience with it and second, Abi, you've also given me some information there which could be very useful and I think it might help me make a decision as to what I want to do next.

I started taking Lymecycline about nine months ago I think. It was after I started posting regularly on the Org and I'd read loads of stuff about medications, regimens, diets and all that. I guess it inspired me and I'd seen what other people were doing and how it was helping their skin, and I just thought, 'Right, I need to start doing something about this, once and for all!'

I'd taken other medications at various points between 15 and 18 - Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Oxytetracycline, and something else I think. They're probably all pretty much the same thing. Cheapest option, easy option, whatever. At that point the doctors would just casually shrug it off as teenage pimples and it was a case of , "Yeah, take this, it'll clear up, or you'll grow out of it".

It always came back after each course, worse than before. At that point I didn't have a clue about any other options so I just left it. Then this time I had more information and knowledge, and of course I was going back with full-blown adult acne so the approach had to be different by default.
I went in there with all the information I'd gained and was trying as best as I could to be authorititive about it. Generally, that's the last thing I am, but I felt like I had to take control of the situation and my skin. I asked the doctor if I should get tested for allergies or intollerances and he said that wasn't relevant or necessary. I asked about Accutane and he said my skin wasn't bad enough. So, for all my intention of taking charge, that was that and I ended up with Lymecycline.

As far as the practicalities of taking it are concerned, I got confused as to when I was supposed to take it, but found that I couldn't take it on an empty stomach and that I had to make sure I realy washed it down because if it sticks around, the after-taste is absoloutly vile. Other than that, I had no problems and no side effects. I once made the mistake of taking a pill without water because I was in a rush and I regretted that for the rest of the day. Never felt so sick in all my life!

It helped for the first couple of month, gradually. It still wasn't stopping the cycle of weekly breakouts though, and I think I contributed more to stopping those by changing my diet a little and taking vitamins and supplements. For most of the course, it was alright, at best. The doctor gave me a six month prescription and then renewed it for another three without even wanting to see me. Then when I went and saw another doctor about something else last month, she suggested I stop, and just use Isotretinoin gel as a topical.

Two weeks after finishing the course, I guess it's out of my system now because my acne is now the worst it's ever been. Seriously, 13 years and it's never looked like this. Hurts in a way I've never felt as well, and it looks horrible. Totally lost and, with various other things going on in my life, it's pretty much pushing me to the edge.

That's why I'm glad I saw your post because it's making me want to consider what I do next. I've never felt so defeated - about my skin and about life in general - but I might not be out of options where my skin treatment is concerned after all. Credit to you also for getting as much information as you did, sounds like you took the time to explain your situation and in return your doctor took the time to address your points. That's good to see.

You never know, maybe the Lymecycline will do enough to fix your current skin problems. I guess it's not beyond the realms of possibility. If it doesn't work, it sounds as though your doctor would then be willing to look at other options and that Roaccutane would probably be the choice. Interesting how she mentioned the four month thing. Goes to show how doctors don't seem to follow a set pattern. Mine was happy to send me away with nine months worth of drugs and not even want to check if it was working! I guess I could now go back there and say, "I've tried these different medications over all these years, and you've had me on this one for nine months, and it's worse than ever".

I feel the same way you do I suppose. Exhausted by it all. Like you say, we can't be taking antibiotics and trying different topicals forever. Well, I guess we could, but I don't see why we should! I think a lot of it comes down to how we approach these things mentally and I've never been strong enough to just go about my business regardless of what my skin looks like, so it really does need fixing for good.
In terms of how I'm responding to that now, I'm locked away indoors and the outside world doesn't exist. I know it's not healthy and I know it may even be adding to the problem, but I just don't want anyone to see me. I was searching random things about Accutane earlier and what the process on the NHS is, and I read an article which said that a docotor would want to explore all other avneues first, and that they wouldn't refer a patient to a dermatologist unless:

* Acne has persisted for several years, or arises in an individual over 25 years old
* Patient has Dysmorphophobic acne
* When the acne has a significant adverse occupational, social or psychological effect on the patient's life

I can tick all three boxes there, without doubt. That's why I've been so confused all this time as to why my doctor shrugged off my suggestion of Accutane like it would never be an option.
Not wishing to pick fights or make it sound like a competition, but I've seen people here posting Accutane logs and I'm looking at the "before" pictures thinking, 'You don't even have acne! How come you got Accutane but I didn't?!' Maybe that's the difference between NHS care here and private care in the States - you get given whatever you're willing to pay for.

I suppose my concern is the initial breakout on Accutane, and the side effects. If I can't cope with acne as it is, I don't know if I'm strong enough to cope with Accutane, should the side effects and breakout happen.

Anyway, I'll quit rambling and hijacking your thread because this is stupidly long, even by my standards!

I hope things are going alright with the Lymecycline and that you start to see some improvements.

Hey Paul

If I were you I'd go to your GP and ask to be referred to a different dermatologist. I have been lucky - my derm is an angel. She's awesome with me when I'm crying and being obsessive, gave me her direct line to call her with any queries.

But I have a friend with worse acne than me, and her GP wont refer her. I think you either need to see a different doctor, change practices or whatever, or just be really strong and demand what you want. If you go in with enough research up your sleeves they are more inclined to take you seriously.

For example, I have ADHD. I heard that term being used about me since I was 4, however, I always excelled academically so I was never officially diagnosed. Eventually I went to my GP and said "listen, I have ADHD - it's severe for an adult. Refer me right now". They did. I went to a psychologist who was literally reading prompt books while I sat there. I had with me about 2 inches of research papers and a whole box of my school reports to confirm it. And he was saying "do you hear voices, do you feel suicidal". I got a bit annoyed and said "look, I know you are screening me for schizophrenia. I KNOW that I have ADHD."
He tried to offer courses and lessons to help me 'deal' with it but I was just REALLY firm about it and after an hour of being rather pushy I walked away with a prescription for ritalin.

That was a really long winded way of saying that I have figured out how to get what I want from the NHS and that is to be a research freak and to resolutely demand what I want.

Anyway, hope you're doing OK Paul. Good luck on the job hunt.

PS I need some photos for my portfolio if I'm ever in your neck of the woods - do you do that kind of thing?

[abigailwheeler]

Ahhhh I see Well the instructions say that "The normal dose is one Tetralysal capsule once a day, preferably in the morning. Tetralysal capsules should always be taken with a glass of water." I usually take mine when I go to bed with water, although I might switch to the mornings now i've read this.

Generally I thought the assumption was that Lymecycline was trickier than Minocycline/Doxycycline because it has to be taken around times when food is not taken into the body? That's what i've always read up/heard about. I guess it's kinda the opposite to Accutane, which is best taken with a fatty meal. It's to be taken one hour before eating food, or two hours after I believe, something to do with the absorption of food within the body. The prescription note on the box of mine also reads "Do NOT take indigestion remedies or medicines containing iron or zinc, 2 hours before or after you take this medicine." So I guess foods with iron or zinc could disrupt the intake into the body, resulting in the waiting period before/after eating. As for me personally, Tetralysal was great before I stated getting facial acne. It pretty much cleared up the majority of my minor/moderate body acne as long as I was consistent in taking it. Good luck!

I'm definitely going to start taking it first thing in the morning after reading this.

I hate the whole hiccup after taste thing. I recognise the taste but I don't know what it is. Definitely not pleasant at all.

Or maybe I should just set an alarm for 6am so that I am definitely not having any food either side of it?

Jesus acne really cramps my style.

[abigailwheeler]

The reason I broke out was from Clinique. I was completely clear before then. I used the 3-Step Regimen and the Even Better Foundation. I used MAC for 2 years I don't know what compelled me to change, but I am fully regretting it.

Even Better Foundation by Clinique is renowned for breaking people out. I can't see myself changing from Acne Solutions Foundation - it's brilliant.

I'm waiting to hear back from Clinique after posting off the rest of my 3 step regimen. Hopefully I'll get a full refund!

What do you think of MAC makeup? I've heard it's great for coverage but breaks people out.

[PaulH85]

You're totally right about the approach, Abi. Sometimes I'm too nice for my own good. Like the time I saw that particular GP when he shot down my questions about Accutane, I was the last patient of what was almost as 12 hour day for him and he was running almost 2 hours late. So yeah, by that point, maybe he wasn't in the best of moods and with that in mind I put him first and let the Accutane thing go. Stupid really, considering I was there specifically to talk about myself.

The next time I saw him we sat and talked about how I was feeling for around 20 minutes. Where I fell down there was that I didn't really have a plan. I wanted to talk about how my acne effected me so much emotionally and how I couldn't stop it from influencing everything I do, but I didn't really have a point in terms of what I wanted in terms of help from him. He finished up kind of suggesting that I should go back when I knew what I wanted to do.
Just seemed like each time I went to see him, I had to almost prove myself or like I had to pass a test or something and give all the right answers to get what I wanted. Of course, I bottled it and went away, then things got worse and I ended up losing my job and all.

I happened to see another doctor then about other stuff and she did all the work for me, in terms of telling me what the options were and what I could pick from. If I go back and see her, maybe she'll lay it all out in the same way as far as acne treatments go. I've always found doctors to do the opposite, in that they'd much rather start you out on generic multi-purpose meds and just work their way down that list. Maybe that works for at the first sign of the problem, but I'm way beyond all that after all this time. Now, I'm a pro!

But anyway, I guess I just need to spin my approach around and say whatever I need to say to get what I want because I can't afford costs of going private so the NHS is my only option. If nothing else, I certainly think I've paid my dues as far as going through all these other meds is concerned. I did what they asked so I really don't think they'd be justified in saying that I hadn't yet reached "the last resort". Much like yourself if you finish the Lymecycline and it doesn't work out. I mean, I really hope it works out great, of course, but they wouldn't be able to deny that you are at least doing what they ask first.

As far as the photography thing goes - I'd be up for that. I don't have any studio space myself although know where it's cheaply available. But, I do have the equipment and the awesome skills to get the shots! Thinking about it, there are plenty of areas around here which provide really cool backdrops; can think of lots of interesting areas in town and we're close to the Peak District too so there's loads of scenery. If you find your way to Sheffield any time, feel free to give me a shout.

[abigailwheeler]

Hey Paul

If you decide to go for Roaccutane, I recommend doing the following:

-Writing a list of what you have done so far - prescribed, over the counter, hollistic, diet etc.

-Showing photos of what your skin looks like at different stages. (I took photos of my skin at its worst and best and everything in between, the derm is only seeing a snapshot of your skin so the photodiary really helps for an accurate diagnosis!)

-Go with a bulk of information about Roaccutane, to show that you have read and understood it. Write down why you think you are a good candidate. Also write down ANY questions you have about it.

-Most of all, be OPEN about the emotional effects acne has on you. In the UK, our psychological turmoil is overlooked - medically and socially. We are brought up to get on with things so finding the courage to admit that we are suffering mentally is really hard to do. Be brave, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

RE the photos. Maybe one day when I have a free weekend I can come up to you? We can team up and bulk up both of our portfolios. Also I'd really like to meet you in person anyway

[PaulH85]

That's for being awesome! If I were a doctor and you came charging at me with such determination, I'm pretty sure I'd give you all the Accutane in the world! Can't fault it though, seems like that's what we have to do to get thinks done.
Stupidly, I think I deleted most of my pictures. Had them on my laptop for ages and they were... just there... eeew! I'll have to re-stock.

Sounds great by the way, we should definitely do that! I'll have to start getting back into and get my creativity back, kind of let it slide lately. But yeah, let me know whenever and I'll make sure I'm available.

Edited by PaulH85, 23 August 2011 - 10:08 AM.

[MissMix]

The reason I broke out was from Clinique. I was completely clear before then. I used the 3-Step Regimen and the Even Better Foundation. I used MAC for 2 years I don't know what compelled me to change, but I am fully regretting it.

Even Better Foundation by Clinique is renowned for breaking people out. I can't see myself changing from Acne Solutions Foundation - it's brilliant.

I'm waiting to hear back from Clinique after posting off the rest of my 3 step regimen. Hopefully I'll get a full refund!

What do you think of MAC makeup? I've heard it's great for coverage but breaks people out.

Ick I wish I would of researched that earlier. I just thought that all clinique was derm tested and non comedogenic. Oh well no need to dwell on the past, it really gets me down thinking how clear my skin was 3 months ago. But anyway I posted before and after pics of my current regimen on my page if you want to check then out. I've had dramatic results following it religiously.

Also, I love MAC, and it didn't used to break my out but I'm way too cautious right now of what I put on my face. It doesn't state non-comedogenic on the box. Luckily, I have found some great makeup that is non-comedogenic and derm tested if you don't mind paying $38-43. I really like NARS Sheer Matte for oily skin and NARS Sheer glow foundation for dry skin. I have tried them both because I have combination skin and they are both great! They are both very buildable, smooth and look very natural. They cover up everything, go to sephora and have them give you a sample before you decide to buy it, you won't be disappointed! Also, the cover FX line I heard is amazing! Made for acne prone skin it is also non-comedogenic and has great coverage, I got a sample of their water based foundation and it seems a lot thicker than NARS so I bet a little goes a long way. I can post pictures if you want to see the coverage of the NARS.

[abigailwheeler]

Ick I wish I would of researched that earlier. I just thought that all clinique was derm tested and non comedogenic. Oh well no need to dwell on the past, it really gets me down thinking how clear my skin was 3 months ago. But anyway I posted before and after pics of my current regimen on my page if you want to check then out. I've had dramatic results following it religiously.

Also, I love MAC, and it didn't used to break my out but I'm way too cautious right now of what I put on my face. It doesn't state non-comedogenic on the box. Luckily, I have found some great makeup that is non-comedogenic and derm tested if you don't mind paying $38-43. I really like NARS Sheer Matte for oily skin and NARS Sheer glow foundation for dry skin. I have tried them both because I have combination skin and they are both great! They are both very buildable, smooth and look very natural. They cover up everything, go to sephora and have them give you a sample before you decide to buy it, you won't be disappointed! Also, the cover FX line I heard is amazing! Made for acne prone skin it is also non-comedogenic and has great coverage, I got a sample of their water based foundation and it seems a lot thicker than NARS so I bet a little goes a long way. I can post pictures if you want to see the coverage of the NARS.

Hi!

Thanks for the info. I have no idea where to get NARS makeup from in the UK. It's annoying because I always see people with makeup tutorials using it which makes me feel like I need it too.

I will definitely go for MAC when I've run out of my current makeup. Unfortunately my makeup usually lasts for a year because I wear it so infrequently!

PS Used Colourstay last week and found it quite good. I still like Clinique foundation the best but I am just stuck with the wrong colour. DAMN IT!