7 replies to this topic

[TIBBY]

I finally found something that works and I want to share it with you ladies!

I had tried sooo many perscriptions including Acutane, lasers, chemical peels, etc. It seemed that my acne was only getting worse! I started to get cysts. I had given up on dermatologists but went in for a cortizone shot. The dermatologist decided to ignore my apprehentions and perscribe me stuff I had tried before. Despite my concerns she insisted that I try spironolactone, minocycline, clidamycin/benzoperoxide gel, and tretinoin. TOGETHER.

I had tried spironolactone before, and minocycline, as well as the clindamycin/benzoperoxide gels. On my previous attempts with spironolactone I didn't take a high enough dose. I currently take 200 MG daily. This combination worked together to keep my skin bacteria free while reducing oil production. Only in combination were the treatments able to work!

If you haven't tried it, its worth a shot before you try Acutane. I have virtually no problems now (only scars). I'm also on orthotricyclin, but I'm not sure if that had any affect either way.

Good luck girls!

[evg5gd]

Hi Tibby,

Are you taking spironolactone 200mg and minocycline at the same time? I have been on Spiro for 3 months (100mg once a day) with no results : ( I was going to try Accutane but I wonder if my derm will increase me to 200mg.

[scrumby1]

Well I know plenty of people with acne issues. Majority of the time it's because the oil is over producing and causing clogs. The best thing for this is a GREAT exfoilator, a CLARISONIC guaranteed to clean your skin 6 times better and deeper than your hand, AND my brightening serum ( I work @ Clarins in dillards arbor place mall). those items are made to erase the scars on your face (but really the exfoilator and the serum will do it). But to slow down the production of oil you just need the lotus oil from clarins (this product will go down to the hair shaft and into the dermis and slow down the production of oil and balance the ph in your skin NO LIE!) And the oil is 100% plant extracts look it up or stop by to see me!

[AuguriesofInnocence]

did the spiro reduce oil production?

[cvd]

Interesting! This is a similar regime to the one my derm put me on several months ago and I have not had one single blemish since. Amazing! You can read my regime below but it basically consists of Spiro (100mg) + Oracea (low dose - not antibiotic - only for inflammation) + BP wash + Cleocin-T solution (antibiotic topical) + tretinoinin cream (retinoid). And monthly microdermabrasion.

I agree that it is the combination of these meds that makes the whole thing work. I think it's because it attacks acne on all fronts...anti-androgen, anti-sebum, antibiotic, etc. The acne bacteria can't survive in these conditions and the pores are kept clear.

[TIBBY]

Hi!

Yes I was taking them (Spironolactone and Myoclycline) both at the same time.... everything at the same time. Since my acne was mostly along my chinline she said its definitely hormonal and the accuatane wouldn't work for long.

According to my derm, I needed to

1. reduce oil production (slightly) and hormone fluxuations (with spironolactone) and
2. kill the acne bacteria (with minoclycline and some topical benzoclyine)
3. exfoliate (with retin -a)
4. get rid of existing cysts -with a cortisone shot

So, several perscriptions later, I wasn't clear until at least month later but it finally worked. Thank god.

After about 2 months I stopped taking the minocycline all the time. My doc said to just use it when I have flare ups for about 5 days. I also stopped using the benzocline on a daily basis and use it when I need it as well.

Just an FYI, I'm also on orthotricycline but I don't think it really helped me all that much. So, that may be another added weapon the the arsenal. My perscriptions are expensive, but its better than being on accuatane.

Good luck!

evg5gd, on 16 May 2012 - 02:55 PM, said:

Hi Tibby,

Are you taking spironolactone 200mg and minocycline at the same time? I have been on Spiro for 3 months (100mg once a day) with no results : ( I was going to try Accutane but I wonder if my derm will increase me to 200mg.

[Simplicita]

cvd, on 21 May 2012 - 10:12 AM, said:

Interesting! This is a similar regime to the one my derm put me on several months ago and I have not had one single blemish since. Amazing! You can read my regime below but it basically consists of Spiro (100mg) + Oracea (low dose - not antibiotic - only for inflammation) + BP wash + Cleocin-T solution (antibiotic topical) + tretinoinin cream (retinoid). And monthly microdermabrasion.

I agree that it is the combination of these meds that makes the whole thing work. I think it's because it attacks acne on all fronts...anti-androgen, anti-sebum, antibiotic, etc. The acne bacteria can't survive in these conditions and the pores are kept clear.

Do you always need to keep taking and using those products in order to keep acne away?

[TIBBY]

Simplicita, on 26 May 2012 - 03:28 PM, said:

cvd, on 21 May 2012 - 10:12 AM, said:

Interesting! This is a similar regime to the one my derm put me on several months ago and I have not had one single blemish since. Amazing! You can read my regime below but it basically consists of Spiro (100mg) + Oracea (low dose - not antibiotic - only for inflammation) + BP wash + Cleocin-T solution (antibiotic topical) + tretinoinin cream (retinoid). And monthly microdermabrasion.

I agree that it is the combination of these meds that makes the whole thing work. I think it's because it attacks acne on all fronts...anti-androgen, anti-sebum, antibiotic, etc. The acne bacteria can't survive in these conditions and the pores are kept clear.

Do you always need to keep taking and using those products in order to keep acne away?

I only need Spiro and orthotricyclin and use the retin-a now. Like I said before, I only take the minocycline and use the benzocline when I run into break-outs. But I needed to use all perscriptions for the first 2 -4 months. My doc renews all the perscriptions to make sure I have access to minocycline and benzocline etc when I need it. I don't need to get refills very often though.

Edited by TIBBY, Today, 04:29 PM.