15 replies to this topic

[blueeyednycgal]

I have taken two full course of accutane in my late 20s. I am now over 30 and my oily, acne prone, troubled skin is back.

It's so upsetting when you have had clear skin (finally) then are thrown right back into the trenches of acne. When you keep trying to figure out what to do, what not to do, what to eat or not eat, etc etc.

The oil came back not even a year after stopping accutane. I am petite, I was on a very thorough course...it did not stop my oil or my acne post medication. Even the second time!

Now I am trying to figure out what to do to keep my skin clear. My oil comes even an hour after washing my face and moisturizing. I feel it is thicker oil than pre accutane if possible. I am constantly blotting

• Right now I am using Retin A topical at night in the pump form
  
• I wash with DDF Brightening Cleanser
  
• I moisturize with an oil free nuetrogena I believe then apply make up
  
• I might switch to Clinique moisturizer as I have heard good things to keep oil at bay....??
  
• I take Nicazel every day now (2 pills) - derm prescribed this
  
• I drink more water now than 2 weeks ago
  
• I cut out all sugary drinks and stopped eating alot of breads (bagels/sandwiches/etc)
  
• Eating more fruit

Any other ideas of what I can do or what I shouldnt do
My pimples are in places that I used to get them before accutane (chin, cheeks, hair line area)
Some are white heads, a few have been the painful ones - I havent had these until now.

Edited by blueeyednycgal, 07 December 2011 - 03:53 PM.

[4Fours]

I'm so sorry I can sympathize with having clear skin for a period of time, then getting right back to where you were (or worse). I don't know much about Accutane, but I have found results with diet changes, which it seems like you are doing. Good luck, I hope someone else is more helpful than me

[alias683]

Have you asked for spironolactone? I was on Accutane as well for a course, and my acne is back, and has gotten me more upset than ever.

My doctor started me on spironolactone 3 weeks ago, and its going well. I can see that my oily-ness is decreasing significantly, and I haven't gotten any terrible cysts in a week. I think some of my skin is still purging, but its an improvement. It does mess with your period though. I haven't had my period in 6 weeks, and I'm normally very regular, which is kinda messing with my hormones (and mind/mood, subsequently). BUT. I have high expectations for this, and think it will at least get me to a more bearable base-line.

[gtturbo2]

how about considering a long term low dose of accutane? Seeing as it obviously cleared up you acne while taking it.

Something like 20mg a couple times a week?

something to think about.

[FSAS]

have you tried diet/lifestyle changes?

[Acne gone]

For everyone reading this, please read my success story after 12 years of suffering from acne due to hormone imbalance. I'm not trying to sell you anything either.

I'd like to share my story of acne and tell you that I think I have finally found a cheap and natural way of controlling my hormones. I am a 32 year old woman and have suffered with acne since I was 19. Funnily enough I developed acne not long after cutting out red meat from my diet and sometimes I wonder if this is the reason. Anyway, like all of you, I hated my acne and it got me really down, so I took Dianette for about seven years and then Yasmin for 6. I had breaks in between but my acne always came back after a month or two, families of spots around my chin, lips and sometimes huge ones on my forehead.

About a month ago I came off the pill yet again, mainly because my husband and I want a baby. I thought we could use protection until my body got back to normal. I started taking folic acid (as this is strongly recommended for mums to be) and was terrfied of my acne coming back, so did lots of research on acne forums and found that fish oil (not cod liver oil) is supposed to help regulate oil production. So I bought this too, which made my skin so soft and made me feel great. However, after 2 weeks I woke up with a huge spot on my chin and notoced my skin was really oily and that lots of tiny little spots under my skin were ready to pop up in the usual places.

Frantically I researched more and more and bought some zinc and vitamin B5 (panthenoic acid) the next day. I didn't take mega doses of B5, only 500mg (which is already 8,333% RDA), even though others recommend a mega dose. This is because I only had a few zits so far. The next day my skin was far less oily and since I've been taking this, my acne hasn't come back at all! I have been taking panthenoic acid for tow weeks and my skin is clear. I still have a redd mark from that bog spot on my chin, but so what? I think for anyone who has acne and wants a more natural way of overcoming it should clear their skin first through either taking antibiotics or the pill and while their skin is clear take the following:

Vitamin B5
Fish oil (omega3)
Zinc
(I take Iron with vitamin C and folic acid too, but this is because I am preparing my body for pregnancy and am a pescatarian)

I wouldn't recommend taking more than 500mg of B5 though, maybe better do it how I did. I'm so happy, I've never liked taking the pill, it gives me cellulite, makes me down and physically slower. If you have acne, please take my advice. By the way, you might be thinking my skin is clear because I am pregnant, well I'm not because my period finished today (1 month after stopping the pill).

By the way, if the above works, you'll never have to take medicine for your acne again. Think of how fake the pill is, supplying my body with synthetic hormones for so long, finally I can be normal again and just take the above once a day.

[legato]

I'm afraid I can't give you any advice since I myself have been thrown back in the trenches of acne after almost a year of clarity, but I can definitely sympathize how awful it is. Sometimes I wish my acne hadn't gone away this year so the desperation wouldn't be this severe.

I'm sure there's something you can do to beat this thing and in the meanwhile just think about that you are ABLE to have the acne under control so the chances are big you'll return to that state.

[cvd]

Hi Blueeye --- I went through the same thing...2 rounds of accutane but the acne came back. It is soooooo frustrating and depressing! I have a few suggestions based on what I've learned over time.

Continue using Retin-A...it will work --- it just takes time. Your skin will get better and better but it can take years depending on the severity of your acne and how deep it is. Keep with it.

Don't change lotions too often unless you really must. This causes inflammation which in turn aggravates acne, especially cysts.

Try Spironolactone as suggested above. It helps. Although you may want to try Spearmint Tea if going natural...it is an anti-androgen (google it).

Get food allergy testing - both skin and blood. Food allergies can cause increased oiliness, inflammation and consequently acne. I never believed this until last year when my doctor finally got me to get tested. Read my topic "My Registered Dietician's Recommendations".

Get on a special supplimentation program designed for healing the gut and skin (see the topic I mentioned above).

Hope these ideas help. I have dealt with and studied adult acne for years and years and am convinced now that healing adult acne...really getting it under control takes a multi-pronged approach that includes an effective topical (like retin-a), gentle washing, diet designed to address allergens, and lifestyle changes that include daily outdoor exercise, stress reducers like yoga, and support from loved ones. The whole body has to calm down and feel supported to heal...this includes not only the skin but the emotions.

[Callum.]

From what I read, people are greatly mislead by diet tips, thinking that simply cutting out fizzy drinks and eating more fruit will eliminate acne. This is wrong. Acne which is aggravated (or caused) by a food group means you have an intolerance/allergy and cutting out a part of that won't 'cure' you.

If you're able to, go for a food allergy test. Meanwhile, try cutting out gluten and dairy, if nothing changes after a few weeks start cutting out whey, soy etc..

People seem to be having great results from the diet here, though it's very specific and restrictive http://www.acne.org/...-you-have-acne/

Non-diet related, be sure your skincare and haircare products are non-comedogenic and that you clean your bedding with fragrance-free detergent. Maybe it would benefit you to take supplements (many recommendations in the forums).

Exercise, plenty of water etc... All combined should help.

Good luck!

Edited by Callum., 09 December 2011 - 03:14 PM.

[leslou]

Have you been on combined oral contraceptive pills, such as orthocyclen? That works for me. I was also on accutane twice.

[eastie]

blueeyednycgal, on 07 December 2011 - 03:51 PM, said:

I have taken two full course of accutane in my late 20s. I am now over 30 and my oily, acne prone, troubled skin is back.

It's so upsetting when you have had clear skin (finally) then are thrown right back into the trenches of acne. When you keep trying to figure out what to do, what not to do, what to eat or not eat, etc etc.

The oil came back not even a year after stopping accutane. I am petite, I was on a very thorough course...it did not stop my oil or my acne post medication. Even the second time!

Now I am trying to figure out what to do to keep my skin clear. My oil comes even an hour after washing my face and moisturizing. I feel it is thicker oil than pre accutane if possible. I am constantly blotting

• Right now I am using Retin A topical at night in the pump form
  
• I wash with DDF Brightening Cleanser
  
• I moisturize with an oil free nuetrogena I believe then apply make up
  
• I might switch to Clinique moisturizer as I have heard good things to keep oil at bay....??
  
• I take Nicazel every day now (2 pills) - derm prescribed this
  
• I drink more water now than 2 weeks ago
  
• I cut out all sugary drinks and stopped eating alot of breads (bagels/sandwiches/etc)
  
• Eating more fruit

Any other ideas of what I can do or what I shouldnt do


My pimples are in places that I used to get them before accutane (chin, cheeks, hair line area)
Some are white heads, a few have been the painful ones - I havent had these until now.

dont u want to start taking anti-andogen drugs like Spiro?have u checked their levels?

leslou, on 09 December 2011 - 03:14 PM, said:

Have you been on combined oral contraceptive pills, such as orthocyclen? That works for me. I was also on accutane twice.

how long have u taken it and whats the product name?I am worried about the side effects of long-term usage..

Edited by eastie, 20 December 2011 - 01:43 PM.

[SkyLynn]

Consider seeing an endocrinologist.

[priceless]

Acne gone, on 08 December 2011 - 01:00 PM, said:

For everyone reading this, please read my success story after 12 years of suffering from acne due to hormone imbalance. I'm not trying to sell you anything either.

I'd like to share my story of acne and tell you that I think I have finally found a cheap and natural way of controlling my hormones. I am a 32 year old woman and have suffered with acne since I was 19. Funnily enough I developed acne not long after cutting out red meat from my diet and sometimes I wonder if this is the reason. Anyway, like all of you, I hated my acne and it got me really down, so I took Dianette for about seven years and then Yasmin for 6. I had breaks in between but my acne always came back after a month or two, families of spots around my chin, lips and sometimes huge ones on my forehead.

About a month ago I came off the pill yet again, mainly because my husband and I want a baby. I thought we could use protection until my body got back to normal. I started taking folic acid (as this is strongly recommended for mums to be) and was terrfied of my acne coming back, so did lots of research on acne forums and found that fish oil (not cod liver oil) is supposed to help regulate oil production. So I bought this too, which made my skin so soft and made me feel great. However, after 2 weeks I woke up with a huge spot on my chin and notoced my skin was really oily and that lots of tiny little spots under my skin were ready to pop up in the usual places.

Frantically I researched more and more and bought some zinc and vitamin B5 (panthenoic acid) the next day. I didn't take mega doses of B5, only 500mg (which is already 8,333% RDA), even though others recommend a mega dose. This is because I only had a few zits so far. The next day my skin was far less oily and since I've been taking this, my acne hasn't come back at all! I have been taking panthenoic acid for tow weeks and my skin is clear. I still have a redd mark from that bog spot on my chin, but so what? I think for anyone who has acne and wants a more natural way of overcoming it should clear their skin first through either taking antibiotics or the pill and while their skin is clear take the following:

Vitamin B5
Fish oil (omega3)
Zinc
(I take Iron with vitamin C and folic acid too, but this is because I am preparing my body for pregnancy and am a pescatarian)

I wouldn't recommend taking more than 500mg of B5 though, maybe better do it how I did. I'm so happy, I've never liked taking the pill, it gives me cellulite, makes me down and physically slower. If you have acne, please take my advice. By the way, you might be thinking my skin is clear because I am pregnant, well I'm not because my period finished today (1 month after stopping the pill).

By the way, if the above works, you'll never have to take medicine for your acne again. Think of how fake the pill is, supplying my body with synthetic hormones for so long, finally I can be normal again and just take the above once a day.

Funny to stumble across this today! I recently made the decision to go off the pill myself (after being on it for years) in yet another attempt to thwart my adult cystic acne. It's my first week off it. I'll have to report back how it goes. Might look into the fish oil too. I just started taking Niacin again.

[rede4bed]

I remember you from your accutane posts in 09! I'm sorry to hear that your acne has come back after 2 courses

I wish I had advice. Since finishing my course in Mar 10, I get occasional single blemish on my face but recently I had a cystic lesion on my body. I'm scared and will jump back on tane in a heartbeat. It sucks that we are in our 30's and still dealing w this crap. Best of luck to you!

[kidego]

Food Allergy is the reason. All Accutane does is shrink the pores/glands. Even if Accutane does work, you will have other health issuses down the road until you avoid your Food Allergy.

[liz90210]

I am a 40 year old female who has delt with acne my entire life. I think I have finally found the solution. I did accutane years ago, only to find my acne returned. I have been on all the usual meds from retin a to antibiotics. I have come to the conclusion that this is an internal issue stemming from inflammation. I decided to go on a gluten free diet (no wheat, barley, or rye), I switched from milk to almond milk for coffee and cereal (I still eat some cheese), I eat pineapple (fresh only) every day (google plastic surgery and pineapple....the surgeons use it for wound healing). I started taking vitamin supplements of vitamins A, E, Bromelain (pineapple enzine), zinc, and D. I also drink ginger tea (found in asian markets) and green tea if possible. I also eat a tsp of bee pollin just for kicks. I switched from raw sugar when possible to honey. My skin has never looked better. It has been amazing!!!! I really think the key in all honesty has been the gluten free diet (I saw immediate amazing results with that) and the pineapple. Frankly, there is no way to know for sure because I did this entire diet and supplement switch at the same time. I would be interested if you have the same experience. Every one is different and what works for me may not work for someone else, but cutting out gluten and buying fresh pineapple are less costly than many altenatives. Best of luck....I hope this helps.