10 replies to this topic

[CWR24]

Hi im 20 years old have had acne since i was 16ish. I use to use differin and duac creams when i was in high school which kept my face pretty clear. I then went to basic traning for the army and broke out really bad. When I came back I was put on accutane for 5 months before I deployed to Afghanistan. Now I here and I have a bit of a problem. I was completly clear for the following 5 months after accutane then I started to break out everywhere. My face wasnt too bad but I decided to start using differin so I had some of my old perscriptions mailed to me here and now a month later my face is worse then ever before. My chin and chaw line are covered with acne! I dont know what to to I guess just wait it out?

Im currently using differin .03 gel at night
benzoyl peroxide 10% soap in shower
200 mg doxycline
and clindamycin in the moring

[Mandy F]

First, I wanted to reply in order to thank you for your service, and the tremendous sacrifice you are making for our country. Thank you. As for the problem at hand, remember that Differin typically takes longer than a month to begin working, and that within the first month or so it is very common to have a bad 'initial' breakout. The regimen you are doing should work well. But, it will probably take some time. Also, don't forget that you are most likely experiencing a big climate-change, as well as under a tremendous amount of added stress. All of which can affect your skin negatively. More importantly, hang in there and stay safe!

[CWR24]

Thank you. I just hope it starts to clear up! I feel like im the only one with acne here... And more inportantly I dont want to come home looking like a tomato garden lol.

[Sasch83]

I second Mandy's post. Thanks for doing all that you are for us back home....it's greatly appreciated

Whatever regimen you use, including the one you posted, you have to give it at LEAST 3 months before you decide to chuck it. Also stress plays a huge factor in acne flare up for a lot of people so as much as possible, try to de-stress as often as you can for your acne, general health and general clarity. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises are quick as are breathing techniques.

Not sure what chow is like but it does help to increase fruit and veggie intake. Some people also find success with cutting back on dairy as well.

Stay safe and as much as possible, try not to focus on your acne too much - after a while, you can trick your mind into thinking it's not even there....lol

Good Luck! BTW, if you do decide to switch prescriptions, retinoids seem to work for a lot of people. I am on Atralin (tretinoin .05%) and i am 5 weeks in and it has definitely helped with my skin texture.

[CWR24]

thank you! it seems like im starting to see some improvements.. Hopfully it will work until I get home. One more question. Does anyone know if you can mix BP and clindamycin together? And can you mix That and sunscreen or put them on seperate?

[Mandy F]

I'm happy to hear you're seeing some improvements. I should see even more within the next month or two. You can definitely mix the BP with Clindamycin (that is what the prescription "Duac" is) I would think you would then apply a sunscreen afterwards. But, since I don't go out in the sun much, I'm not postitive about that one.

[SI1990]

hi there!

i am writing on your post because believe it or not im in the exact same position as you. i am currently serving in Afghanistan too and my face has got so much worse out here. my acne wasnt bad at all really just here and there but now ive broke out bad! so worried returning to the uk. just curious if your home now? has your face returned to its normal state? im scared mine wont?

[CWR24]

Nope Im still here. My face has cleared up a bit though but now that its getting hot and im sweating more that may change.

[SI1990]

were abouts are you? mine seems to be the same still bad. have you had this before and when you return home does your skin get better?

[CWR24]

Im in Northern Afghanistan in Faryab. When im at home im usually 95 percent clear but I can keep clean / access to medication there

[CWR24]

Well just hit 3 months and still breaking out...