7 replies to this topic

[Arlandria]

Hi all, I'm new here

I hope someone can help:

I am 25 years old and have suffered with mild to moderate acne since my teens. Admitedly, now I am older it is not as bad, but still bad enough to affect my confidence and general mood.

Having got sick and tired of trying EVERYTHING, I went to the doctor and got Minocycline. First 3-6 months were great - 99% clear. However I now realise that the acne is coming back slowly, even whilst Im still taking the anti-biotics. I fear I have become immune to them.

I am fit and eat very healthily. My plan now is to start a Gluten Free diet, as I read that gluten can lead to acne in some people. Do you think this is a good idea?

I have used BP before and it makes my skin horrendously dry. My Doctor advised me to use just soap with the Minocycline. However I have VERY oily skin, and soap doesnt seem to do anything. I am not one for putting millions of chemicals on my face - but has anyone used any natural / herbal facial washes in conjunction with Moinocycline that work well?

Thanks in advance for any help

[S___M___C___C]

There will come a point when the antibiotic no longer works. You're probably nearing it.

If the acne is not too bad and you still have a chance of outgrowing it, I would suggest that you wean yourself off this current antibiotic (take half dosage for a week, then half of that for a week, then half of that for a week), take a one month break and take lots of pro-biotics, and then go back on a different antibiotic.

If the acne is bad, and you are unlikely to outgrow it anytime soon, I would suggest that you try vitamin B5 supplementation, and if that fails, then go on a low dose of accutane.

From my experience, special diets work a little, but nowhere near enough.

All the best

[Arlandria]

Thanks for that

I've never had any side effects with Minocycline (i've read some horror side effects on here) so Im lucky on that front - and it seemed the only thing that ever works.

However it is slowly coming back now whilst im still on the Minocycline. I am certain I havent outgrown it yet - which is annoying! I would love to find a natural remedy and fight the cause - I take particular interest in the readings of articles suggesting change diet (i.e. no dairy, no gluten etc.) so I am going on a gluten free diet to see if that helps

I am worried to stop the Minocycline, as I know what will happen! It will get worse and back to how it was.

I have just bought 500mg B5 vitamins. I read to take them in high doses. What sort of doses should I be taking these, 1 a day?

Thanks for your help, its massively appreciated

[S___M___C___C]

Well I take 2g a day and it makes my skin less oily, although I still get pimples.

People have took up to 10g per day and been fine. It's really up to you, but there may be some unpleasant side effects of taking too much, and I wouldn't advise anyone to take 10g a day for extended periods of time.

Good luck with the diet. I've been in the same position as you, and tried a lot of diets. Some of them worked a bit, but the effort just wasn't worth it.

Head up

[Arlandria]

I have read lots about diet. And I am swayed into believing getting the right diet can be the answer.

The Regimen seems interesting, but I have tried BP before and my skin goes outrageously dry and flaky - becomes a mess. However I have bought a months worth to try. I do feel however this is fighting the effects and not the cause

Has anyone tried a gluten free diet before?

[Arlandria]

Well I take 2g a day and it makes my skin less oily, although I still get pimples.

People have took up to 10g per day and been fine. It's really up to you, but there may be some unpleasant side effects of taking too much, and I wouldn't advise anyone to take 10g a day for extended periods of time.

Good luck with the diet. I've been in the same position as you, and tried a lot of diets. Some of them worked a bit, but the effort just wasn't worth it.

Head up

Thats how I feel. Gluten free means no bread, no beer or lager, no pastry, no takeaways, no canned food. I eat pretty healthily anyway but do like the occasional curry etc.

Its going to be hard cutting out bread.

What has been your best solution?

[S___M___C___C]

Yea, I tried gluten free, low sugar and paleo diets...and sure, I had a few less pimples each month, but I was a long way from 'clear' and had to live like a nutter in order to keep to the diets.

Then I decided that I wasn't going to let acne turn me into a nutter.

Me? Well, I've did a few courses of antibiotics but they have only brought short term results. I find that being healthy and taking some B5 keeps my acne down a bit, but I'm going on accutane soon just to be through with it (I hope!).

I've never actually tried Dans Regimen so I can't comment on that.

My advice:

If your acne is bad I would say that accutane is your best bet.
If your acne is manageable then you might have better luck with diets, topicals and supplements, and so you just need to experiment.

[Arlandria]

Thanks for the info and help

When I went to the docs she told me it wasn't bad enough for accutane, although I feel it is. So I may struggle to get that, I don't have the confidence to go the docs and cry my heart out in order to pursuade them I need it.

I just don't know where to go from here. My plan is to reduce the minocycline and:

Start the regimen
Take b5
Try going gluten free (but already 2 days in and I'm finding it hard)

Thanks for your help mate, much appreciated