8 replies to this topic

[sugarglide]

I started getting pimples when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I am now 18 years old and still battling acne.

I have tried literally every OTC and prescription cleanser, cream, gel, kit, medication, etc:

Proactiv
Clinique Acne systems
Dr. Murad kit
Mario Badescu
Differin
Duac
BP
Retin-A Micro
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Doxycyline
Solodyn
Spironolactone
Yaz
Ortho Tri Cyclin
Ziana gel
Clindamycin
Vitamin B5
Vitamin A
Omega 369
Tea Tree Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Urine Therapy

My Acne Story: (GIRLS- you might find this really helpful when deciding what meds to take!)

Freshman year of high school, I would get pimples here and there on my forehead or around my nose or cheeks, then sophomore year, I literally just had acne on my forehead (but would hide them with short side swept bangs), junior year, my forehead acne cleared up and I was decently clear from just using BP at night. Summer of junior year going into senior year, I went out on tour in Europe with a best friend of mine (who's mother was currently performing) and was confident enough to not pack any of my creams since my skin looked pretty good. Within the next week I was breaking out, BAD. I don't know if it had to do with something in the water or the fact that we'd order room service and eat french fries all day or the fact that we just sat in the hotel not doin crap, but my acne was going out of control.

When I got back from the three weeks that I was in Europe, I went to my term and she prescribed me Spiro and Solodyn. I was on those meds for about a year or so and yeah, it did clear me up, but not entirely. I did get side effects and still have them to this day such as excessive belching after everything I eat and digestive issues that I had NEVER had before. I NEVER used to burp or have any issues with the junk that I'd eat and now I burp all the freaking time and have trouble digesting certain foods. It sucks.

I slowly stopped taking Solodyn, then Spiro and I started taking Ortho Tri-Cyclin (birth control) towards the end of senior year to control my 'hormonal acne'. Within the first month, I didn't even realize that I was having the worst mood swings of my life. I turned into a psychotic b*tch! But I just kept going with it for 2 more months and finally had to resort to a different BC. I switched to Yaz with high hopes. Still continued to be a psychotic b, but the mood swings and PMS did kind of get a little better after 2 months or so, or maybe they didn't? Regardless, my skin was pretty darn clear, but not PERFECT FOREARM skin clear.. I stopped taking it after not wanting to deal with the constant bitchyness and depression and my acne came back. Slowly but surely I was getting pimples back on my forehead, around my temples, beneath my temples, and around the wrinkles when you smile (lower cheeks by my mouth).

Now, I am currently washing my face with Purity cleanser and applying Zapzyt BP 10% daily as well as taking Vitamin A 25,000IU and Udo's Omega 369. I guess you could say my skin has been showing a little bit of improvement, but I WANT CLEAR SKIN NOW. I'm literally hopeless and worry about my skin everyday of my life. I wake up touching my face to see if my bumps have sunk down and get up to go check out my skin in the mirror. I hate having to pick at my skin everyday and having to wear makeup whenever I go out. ACNE CONTROLS MY LIFE. I just don't know what else to do anymore. Accutane is out of the question, but I think about it everyday. I already regret taking oral meds for screwing up my digestive system and my insides and I don't want to risk my insides with an even more powerful drug.

Anyone?

Edited by sugarglide, 23 May 2012 - 09:51 PM.

[cherrycat]

it does not appear that your acne is too inflamed. Maybe try some salicylic acid peels (basically using sal acid in higher concentration than just a quick wash or toner). Maybe try other peels (glycolic/lactic) also. The high concentration of sal acid will probably cause you to break out for a month while everything purges. How long were you on Retin-A for and did that show any improvement?

I am done with Benzoyl Peroxide!! I used it for 10 years very religiously and I am through. All it does is keep acne at bay. Which is great, if you need clear skin just for next week. But it does not allow the pores to clear, so acne will come back as soon as your face does not have bp on it or if your skin gets a bit dirty one day.

Also, most important is healthy living and healthy eating!

Edited by cherrycat, 23 May 2012 - 10:09 PM.

[sugarglide]

cherrycat, on 23 May 2012 - 10:03 PM, said:

it does not appear that your acne is too inflamed. Maybe try some salicylic acid peels (basically using sal acid in higher concentration than just a quick wash or toner). Maybe try other peels (glycolic/lactic) also. The high concentration of sal acid will probably cause you to break out for a month while everything purges. How long were you on Retin-A for and did that show any improvement?

I am done with Benzoyl Peroxide!! I used it for 10 years very religiously and I am through. All it does is keep acne at bay. Which is great, if you need clear skin just for next week. But it does not allow the pores to clear, so acne will come back as soon as your face does not have bp on it or if your skin gets a bit dirty one day.

Also, most important is healthy living and healthy eating!

Blah, I tried using salicylic acid a few years back and I just remember it making my skin really irritated and itchy :/ and I was on Retin-A for a few months until I couldn't take the peeling and dryness anymore.. I am just about done with BP as well! I've been using this thing religiously and there really isn't that great of an improvement anymore. I've almost like plateu-d with it ha.

And you're right. The only thing I really haven't strictly tried is changing my diet and incorporating more veggies, etc. I just don't like them! and it's so hard to be on a strict diet when my boyfriend loves junk food and munchies, yet has PERFECT skin. not fair at all!

[jonesbev]

try using aha+ moisturizer and a sunscreen... and physiogel for face wash

[sugarglide]

jonesbev, on 23 May 2012 - 11:08 PM, said:

try using aha+ moisturizer and a sunscreen... and physiogel for face wash

Is there a specific brand I should use? And should I just stop applying any other sort of topicals?

[arqa22]

read the diet part: http://www.acne.org/...d-my-cyst-acne/

[sugarglide]

arqa22, on 24 May 2012 - 12:22 PM, said:

read the diet part: http://www.acne.org/...d-my-cyst-acne/

Did you just change your diet and sexual activity and your skin cleared up? No other meds or topicals?

[arqa22]

sugarglide, on 24 May 2012 - 01:18 PM, said:

arqa22, on 24 May 2012 - 12:22 PM, said:

read the diet part: http://www.acne.org/...d-my-cyst-acne/

Did you just change your diet and sexual activity and your skin cleared up? No other meds or topicals?

Did you just change your diet and sexual activity and your skin cleared up? yes
No other meds or topicals? no

Edited by arqa22, Yesterday, 11:15 PM.

[Ceebs]

All i can say that your acne really isnt that bad Anyways, honestly buying all the products you have stated above is a waste of money. Start with your diet, is what problems there are like sugary foods and dairy products - Avoid those. I once had a can of soda(330ml with 40g of sugar) and i broke out with like 3 cyst on my cheeks. Next lets try looking at your daily routine, try going for a jog, workout out - when you sweat your basically opening your pores and all the oils and stuff comes out with your sweat, it also releases stress. Come back home all sweaty and have a quick shower and moisturize your face. Now lets look into your regimen. Honestly with your acne, which is most likely hormonal (watch out for sugary and dairy foods), just go for the BP regiment benzoyl peroxide is the only known substance which Acne causing bacteria has no resistance to - simply meaning it kills P. acne bacteria by promoting oxygen on your skin. you should be fine. Can't Imagine how much money acne sufferers spend just to get rid of their acne, all you need is dedication to promote a better lifestyle and just use BP! hahaha, i once spent 90 bucks for each glycolic peel at my dermatologist - total price $630 for seven peels, conclusion- not effective, skin remained the same, got to see a hot nurse each time though . BP and better lifestyle regiment - $10 for a small 30ml epiduo bottle which i have been using for over 3months and a better lifestyle, free of charge, conclusion - clear skin (im just left with hyperpigmentation), im fitter, better faster stronger... list goes on... oh and ladies want me