5 replies to this topic

[eli2388]

Hi

I am new to acne.org, but thought i would join and post my experience so far and find out others experiences. I first got acne about a year and a half ago when i was 22 after never previously suffering it (not even in my teenage years). After a few months i built up the courage to consult a doctor who told me to use BP and prescribed Lymecycline. I stuck to this for 6 months with no results whatsoever. I went back to the doctor who has now put me on the birth control Marvelon and Retin A, which i am to apply in the evening. I am currently on day 11 and my skin seems to have gotten worse. Is this normal? I would just like to hear anybody else's experience who have been on a the same or similar things and whether it has worked for them and how long it takes?

Thanks Elli

[mWilso]

I'm on BCP (Ortho-Tri-Cyclen), but for reasons other than acne, you know, the no baby making kind of reasons.

But I'm also on retin-A. I started with the lowest strength cream (0.025) and I followed a schedule to minimize irritation (and I think it worked)
Week 1: Every 3rd night
Week 2: Every other night
Week 3: On two nights, Off one
Week 4: On three nights, Off one
Week 5: Every night

I'm currently following week 4 still because I upped my strength by mixing the 0.025 and 0.05 before application. I also like a free night to use other products or soothing products, if I so desire. I think it's a much less aggressive approach than some, but I have a very minimal IB and hardly any redness/dry skin.

But yes, it's completely normal for it to get worse before it gets better. They say to give it at least 3 months.

Some things to remember, dry skin and irritation is not your goal. And wear a sunscreen! Every day, inside or outside.

[mWilso]

oh yeah! So important!
DO NOT PICK! Not even at a tiny little blackhead. Because you'll be left with some stubborn PIH.
I learned that the hard way my 2nd week on it. So disappointing, it didn't even pop! But it left me with a mark that has taken months and 2 TCA peels to lighten. Grumble.

[eli2388]

Hi MWilso thanks the reply ) Thanks so much on the advice on the use of the retin a, i started just using it every night and i have found it rather irritates my skin. I think i must be going through an Initial breakout, although some areas have improved whilst my forehead and chin seem to habe gotten worse :/ . I am going on holiday in two weeks and i really hope this IB has subsided somewhat by then, fingers crossedddd.

Have you seen any improvement after using retin a for 5 weeks?

Oh yeh and what you said about not picking is sooo true. I picked two blackheads a couple of days ago and they developed into 2 huge spots and now left massive red marks grrrr lol. Never again. haha

[mWilso]

I've been using it for about 3 months now, I still just don't use it every night is all. I haven't had any outbreak of inflammed pimples. But I had (what I felt like were thousands) of closed comedones pop up on my forehead, about 5 weeks ago actually, and they have been getting a lot better with continued use.

I hope your IB is better soon! Good luck.

[eli2388]

Thank you , good luck too!