111 replies to this topic

[Willow3]

I'm into my PMS breakout, not that bad at all! I'm excited to start Diane 35.... Alot of girsl talk about an initial breakout period, I certainly didn't experinece that the other two times i went on it, and I hope I don't have to this time. I have already gone through four initial breakouts since last spring with the tretinoin.

The irritation is a little more pronounced today and yesterday evening. And parts of my back were very uncomfortable during pilates. I can't wait until i am back to my old skin care routine using just SA on my back and chest. I'll continue to use the RAM micro on my face.

[Willow3]

I'm now at 18 weeks. My upper back is totally clear. My chest is still recovering from a picking session. My face has 5 or 6 smallish pimples. My lower back is still the worst, very annoying. My back and chest are irritated. I can't wait to reduce the irritation on my back and chest, it is really annoying to have urges to scratch them all the time. I am definitely PMSey...waiting so very patiently to start my pills.

I definitely feel confident about my decision to go on Diane 35. It will probably work better this time than before, because I have never been able to remember to take it on time, but now I have other meds that I always take on time. I have heard it is more effective when you take it at the same time each day.

[Willow3]

The beginning of my DIANE 35 LOG!

History:

I have had moderate acne on my back/chest/face since I was 12, I am now 24. I used T-Stat and tetracycline in high school, neither helped at all. Then I went on Diane 35 when I was almost 18, and I was totally clear for 1.5 years (of inflammatory acne). Then I went to University in a big city, and started forgetting to take my pills for a couple of weeks. I kept waiting for my period so I could start a new pack, but it didn't come. My skin started breaking out again, so I started a new pack anyway. Diane 35 never worked the same since, it helped allot, but now I needed topical as well to keep my skin clear. Benzamycin at night helped, but then I discovered last spring the combination of SA twice a day with the Diane. Perfect skin!

Several months later I though maybe SA on it's own could clear my skin, I wanted to try to clear my skin with just topicals. Stopped Diane mid-April, face then exploded mid-May. I started tretinoin 0.01% (with clind 1%, and benzyl peroxide). 9 months later I am at 4.5 months of tretinoin 0.1% (highest strength) and using clind 1%, SA, and spot treating with BP.

My acne has been reduced to mild, from moderate. But I am not satisfied, because I also have allot of irritation, and with the Diane 35 and SA mix i had no irritation and perfectly clear skin (except for allot of blackheads and stuff).

My plan is to continue with the retin-a micro on my face, but wean my back and chest back onto the SA when Diane 35 has taken full effect in 6-9 months. Until then I will continue with all me meds.

[Willow3]

Diane 35 day 1:

So, I am starting with mild acne (thanks to retin-a micro): My upper back and chest get the occasional pimple, and my lower back is fairly broken out; I have alot of blackeads on my nose, and dotted around my face; I usually have about 5-10 pimples on my face.

My skin is very oily. I will be greasy only 30 min after washing my face. I use MAC blot powder, which helps alot, but I still need to touch up my face after lunch, and again in the evening. I wash my hair every morning, but it is greasy by the evening.


RANT:

Finally, I could start my pills last night! I am excited for my skin to feel less greasy in the next couple of weeks. Although it is annoying that they don't specify how many weeks until you are less greasy. I am hopeful that I will clear faster than average, because my acne is just mild right now with the RAM.

The first time I went on the pill it took 6 months for me to clear, I remember after about 4.5 I was still breaking out, but not that bad, then all of a sudden I was clear at the beginning of the summer. My doctor hadn't told me the pills would take 3-6 months to see an effect. So after the first month when I hadn't cleared up I gave up on them, and acne medication in general (at this point nothing had even slightly helped my skin). Although I did keep taking them, I just didn't think they would do anything. So, I wasn't tracking my progress, I just know that all of a sudden I realized I could wear anything I wanted, because my body acne had gone!

My body acne is doing very well at the moment, upper back is still clear, and my chest just has a couple old ones from a picking session last night that need to fade. It seems that the RAM 0.1%, might be enough to keep my body acne mostly at bay, with the help from some topicals. However, the itchiness and irritation, along with tip toeing around my skin forever, are more than I want to put up with. I am a very outdoorsy kind of girl, I want to travel, I want to be very low maintenance, and not freaking out every time I don't have running water.

[Willow3]

Day 1 Update:

I didn't shower until lunch, and when i looked at my face I was so broken out! About 10 new pimples had come up on my forehead and chin. This couldn't be an initial breakout already could it? I just took my firts pill a little over 12 hours ago. I think I was just touching me face alot the yesterday and this morning, and got alot of bacteria on it, and it is probably the tail end of PMS breakout.

I hope it isn't an initial breakout that will continue for a couple of months, a couple of weeks I can handle it if contains itself to my face. Anyway, I'm adding BP to me daily routine on my face and chin in case this is not an isolated event.

I also was feeling a little neaseous this morning, but it is probaly just cramp related.

[zara2006]

Thought I'd come onto your thread this time.
So you'v started Diane, thats great. I'm still waiting for my damn period. I'm stressing out though which cant help.
You said the pill will take effect in 4 to 6 months, will it take that long for me whos only been off it one month?
I really hope it works fast for you.Like you said,you're be taking it properly now, at the right times. I was doing the same,forgetting a pill or 2 now and then,taking it hours late or the next day.
Anyway I must shutup and stop taking all your threads space. Just that its encouraging to know others are in the same state as you.

[Willow3]

Thought I'd come onto your thread this time.
So you'v started Diane, thats great. I'm still waiting for my damn period. I'm stressing out though which cant help.
You said the pill will take effect in 4 to 6 months, will it take that long for me whos only been off it one month?
I really hope it works fast for you.Like you said,you're be taking it properly now, at the right times. I was doing the same,forgetting a pill or 2 now and then,taking it hours late or the next day.
Anyway I must shutup and stop taking all your threads space. Just that its encouraging to know others are in the same state as you.

I know alot of people see improvement in the first 2-3 months, but I know it usually takes longer to get clear. I think that because you have been off of it for only a month you will clear faster. Alot of girls say their skin stays clear for several months after they stop the pill, which leads me to believe that the effects last awhile in the body. So you probably aren't starting over again completely. Keep me updated on your progress!

[Willow3]

DAY 2:

Well, no neasea today. So I think that was just a PMS thing yesterday. My mood hasn't changed at all. Oiliness still there. Still have those extra small pimles on my forehead and chin. But I don't think this is an initial breakout, because wouldn't my back and chest be breaking out as well?

RANT:

I really need to stop picking my skin. I have been at home sick alot this week. I'm frustrated because I can't go running, and I think I am taking this frustration out on my skin. I'm completely addicted to running, I get very restless when I can't run at least 5 days a week. We are having such perfect weather right now too, and it has been raining alot recently. One of the greatest pleasures in life is running outside on a rainy spring day....and I'm stuck inside! I can smell spring through my open window right now

[Willow3]

Diane Day 3:

It definitely was not an initial breakout. My forhead has cleared up to its prior state nicely, and while my chin is taking longer there isn't anything new. I have been using less RAM on my back and chest, so the irritation is reduced. I still have constant desires to scratch though. No side effects to report from Diane. Although my skin looked less oily this morning, but that is probably because I get more oily during PMS, and less oily after.

RANT:

I really need to cut down on my picking, I was doing so well for a couple of weeks. It isn't even that I am really destrucrive on my skin, it's that the RAM makes my skin so sensitive that the slightest touch is damaging. Also, I breakout after because I am transfering bacteria. I have noticed a pattern to my picking, when I am waiting to start something new, or during an initial breakout I pick more. I basically tell myself that I am breaking out anyway, so it won't make a difference. Well, now that I am on the Dinae, I am on all the medications I can handle (RAM, SA, BP, clind, and Diane!). So the last thing I can do is stop picking. I think I will have more motivation now that I am on the Diane, and almost over my virus. I can't wait to get out of the house today! I am officially going to start a picking log log and update it every morning. I think that without any picking or touching my back and chest would remain clear enough that i could wear all my clothes again regularily, rather than sporadically. That is motivation! I definitely picked at my face last night after after I cleansed. I really need to watch my fingers when i am in the shower, and right after I get out or wash my face. These are my weak points. No more picking or touching!

[Willow3]

Diane Day 4:

No side effects so far. I was in a really good mood yesterday, so no mood swings. I have been a bit headachy, but I am getting over being sick, and I was more headachy last week before starting Diane. My hair might be a bit less greasy this morning, but it is hard to say. My face is starting to clear up more after my PMS breakout. My chest and back each have a couple of pimples, all from touching or picking last week I believe. My lower back is the worst of all. It is really annoying because I never broke out there before the last couple of months. I really hope it will clear up soon. I have no irritation of my face, but still some on my back and chest.

Picking Log:

I started to pick a couple of times, but stopped myself. I think most of the breakouts on my back and chest at the moment are caused by picking and touching. I really need to focus on fixing that so I can wear my other clothes.

[dreamcatcher]

hey, good luck with your new regime- hope it works out for you. I'm getting a bit fed up with retin a now, so far I've been on in for about 9 weeks. But I'm going to stick with it for another month or two I think. It's helped with little bumps under my skin but I still have some stubborn ones and also some inflamed spots occasionally...ugh!
I also have a problem with picking, I can't stop myself! Anyway good luck.

[Willow3]

hey, good luck with your new regime- hope it works out for you. I'm getting a bit fed up with retin a now, so far I've been on in for about 9 weeks. But I'm going to stick with it for another month or two I think. It's helped with little bumps under my skin but I still have some stubborn ones and also some inflamed spots occasionally...ugh!
I also have a problem with picking, I can't stop myself! Anyway good luck.

Hang in there! My skin improved until 16 weeks! What dose are you on? The 0.1% was the only dose that made a significant impact on my skin. I'm pleased with my results from retin-a, but I have come to the conclusion that it will not clear me completely on its own. I shouldn't be surprised, my acne is very stubborn.

[Elsewhere]

This is completely off topic, but -

I LOVE the title of your log. That's awesome!

[january]

I enjoyed reading your posts as I think a lot of us can relate. Fear of people thinking less, unable to do certain activities (swimming, etc) Hopefully your regimen works! I have moderate acne, severe at times. Wear makeup a lot. My doc put me on Diane35, day 8:) I'm confident it'll work. In combination with my a regimen. Face wash (changed from Clean and Clear foaming acne wash to Garnier soft foaming wash for dry/combo skin), Garnier Pure A daily moisturizer with zinc and SA, and at night OXY5 2.5bp lotion.

I'll keep you posted. I think if you are not impressed wtih your new regimen, go back on Diane!

[Willow3]

This is completely off topic, but -

I LOVE the title of your log. That's awesome!

Thanks!

I enjoyed reading your posts as I think a lot of us can relate. Fear of people thinking less, unable to do certain activities (swimming, etc) Hopefully your regimen works! I have moderate acne, severe at times. Wear makeup a lot. My doc put me on Diane35, day 8:) I'm confident it'll work. In combination with my a regimen. Face wash (changed from Clean and Clear foaming acne wash to Garnier soft foaming wash for dry/combo skin), Garnier Pure A daily moisturizer with zinc and SA, and at night OXY5 2.5bp lotion.

I'll keep you posted. I think if you are not impressed wtih your new regimen, go back on Diane!

I'm glad I can provide something that might help others. Acne can be so devastating... Good luck with the Diane. In combo with the BP and SA you should get clear!

[Willow3]

Diane Day 6:

Well my skin is looking really good. A combination of my PMS breakout clearing more, and I have been very good about not picking or touching my face. I definitly have no side effects so far, my mood is good, no breakout, no hedeches or stomach upset.

My skin is really looking good on my face, I am almost clear. I have a number of red marks though, but those don't bother me much considering they fade so fast with the RAM. My back and chest are still clearing from that picking session I had awhile back. Never pick your skin right before a PMS breakout! It will only compound the problem. My lower back is still breaking out alot, it is very annoying, i'm not sure why it is not responding like the resy of my skin is.

Picking Log:

I have picked a couple of time in the last two days. my lower back a little, and I removed two blackheads from my face. Overall I was pretty good. I really need to get this habit under control, because i think that with the products I am using now my skin could be really clear if I just didn't pick.

Rant:

I really hate how sensitive my skin on my chest is with the RAM. I end up with these bright red sores all over the place where I accidently must have scratched off some skin. I'm not sure if I do this in my sleep or what, because I can never remember doing it. I think the SA. clind. and RAM are enogh to clear my skin in comnbination with not touching or picking my skin, and continuing to use clean towels and pajamas. The diane will make my skin more resiliant to breaking out, and will mean I can stop the RAm on my back and chest, because I can't deal with it there much longer. I really need to focus on treating my skin very gently, so I can wear all my clothes. It is my friends birthday tomorrow, and we are all going out for dinner. I have no idea what I am going to be able to wera considering all the red sore on my chest. It is very frustrating!

[zara2006]

Its great to hear you're clearing up so fast. Just 6 days.
As or the bottom part of your back, i'm sure it'll clear,no reason why it wouldnt if the rest of your body is respondin well to diane. Probably just needs that little bit more time.

[Willow3]

Its great to hear you're clearing up so fast. Just 6 days.
As or the bottom part of your back, i'm sure it'll clear,no reason why it wouldnt if the rest of your body is respondin well to diane. Probably just needs that little bit more time.

Truthfully, I know it isn't the Diane clearing my skin right now, just that my PMS breakouts are healing.

[Willow3]

Diane week 1:

No side effects so far. I think my hair was less greasy this morning. My face is pretty clear. My upper back and chest are mild, but covered on red splotchy irritated spots. My lower back is really brocken out. I'm starting to wonder if the irritation form medications is causing my problems there, but why are the medications clearing my skin everywhere else? The only other explanation I can think of is that i was overapplying RAM there, so I effectively increased my dose so this is some type of initial breakout. I guess I also can't rule out that picking is somehow involved.

Picking Log:

I gave in and picked at my upper back alot last night. But not my chest. I also picked at a couple of things on my face. I have signed myself up for the No Picking Challenge. I hope I can stick with it.

RANT:

I really can't take the RAM on my back and chest anymore. The irritation is so annoying. I am covered in these red raised patches. Some of them are actaully open sores, and look like they were pimples even if they were not. I have no idea what i can wear when I go out tonight! I am so frustrated with not being able to wear the clothes I want. The last couple of years has been such a struggle with a number of chronic illnesses, I'm just starting to peice my life back together. Although I have to admit I am still struggling some to control these illnesses. It is already hard for me to go out and have fun (due to exhaustion and trying to stick with my treatments), and not ever having anything to wera bacuase of body acne just makes it that much harder to go out. I just really couldn't care less about my face in comparison to my back and chest. If I could move all of my breakouts and irritation to my face I would. i know it sound sweird, but with my face i feel it is out there and everyone knows what is going on with me. Facial acne is also so common, I don't find it embarrasing (although i don't really like it). I find body acne to be hideous and disgusting. I hide it, so no one really knows i have it, and i hate the disgust and shock when people ask what it up with my back.

I have to admit that my ongoing struggle is affecting my desire to date. I just can't approach guy's knowing I have this disgusting secret. Also, how can I date when I have almost no nice clothes to wear? You can't go on a date proudly displaying disgusting skin on your body. Well, at least I can't. I really feel like my acne is the one thing I can't handle. I have delt with my other health conditions, I have acceppted the limitation sthat they put on my life, but I can't handle this! My confidence has always fluctuated with my body acne. The last two yaers when my skin was basically clear it was so amazing. I want to be excited to go to the beach this summer. Why did I ever go off the Diane in the first place? I will never change a thing once I get clear skin back again.

I am also over my head in what i need to do to manage my other health conditions, having all these things I have to do for my skin is just more than I can handle. Last spring, all i had to do was pop a pill twice a day, wash my face twice a day, and immeditely apply SA. Now I have so many topicals, and i have to wait 30 min after washing my face (which means I have to be home earlier, and i already can't go out late because of my other conditions). I can't miss a week washing my shhets, I need a clean shirt to bed every night, I need a clean towel every day... These things on their own are not a big deal, but i already spend 2-3 hours a day managing my other medical conditions, and have so many regulation concerning what i can and cannot do. Without all this skin stuff i already felt like I was pushed to the edge of what I could handle. Something has to give, or I am going to lose my mind. No one can live on the regimented schedule I have, i feel like a prisoner in my own body sometimes. Something has to give, and it will be my elaborate skin care regime, once the Diane 35 kicks in enough to clear my body acne with just SA.

Well, I feel much better now...

[Willow3]

I just had a major insight with respect to my last rant. My greatest pet peeve is when people whine continuously about things they could change but don't. Usually i am really good at taking the initiative in my life, but the last couple weeks I have been guilty of this fault. My skin would be good enough if i would just stop picking at it. And, i would have gotten over this virus alot faster, and felt alot better, if i were better at getting to bed on time. So really, i am getting frustrated with things I am causing. The good news being that I can instantly change both of these. Sometimes writing things down really helps to see the obvious...I can't beleive how silly I have been. All the effort i put into being annoyed, could just go into fixing these problems, because now they are in my control. I guess i just got used to having to be patient for my skin to clear, now that the RAM has made alot of improvemnt, getting my skin that little bit extra to where i will be satisfied is my choice. Same with getting over this silly virus.