9 replies to this topic

[CaliKisses]

I had mild acne throughout high school into my very early 20's. Within the past year, it has become severe. I have tried everything, from antibiotics, retinoids, BP, diet changes, blood tests, etc. My last resort was birth control. I started Orthotricyclen two and a half weeks ago and am breaking out in places I normally don't. I have more little tiny bumps all over my face than I've had in a long time. Is it too soon to quit? If not now, at what point in time should I realize the BC isn't working and stop?

And last question...if I do stop, am I pretty much screwed by playing around with my hormones?

[NYakaBR]

Give the BCP a good 3 months to work.... It takes about that long for your body to adjust to the hormones being added. BCP did nothing for me at first, but ended up clearing a large portion of acne given time.

[CaliKisses]

Give the BCP a good 3 months to work.... It takes about that long for your body to adjust to the hormones being added. BCP did nothing for me at first, but ended up clearing a large portion of acne given time.

That is my hope...I have given up on this struggle with my skin! Really hoping BC will do the trick. Did you break out more/in different places when you first started BC? And did your skin start clearing up around the 3 month mark or sooner?

Thanks

[NYakaBR]

When I first started BCP I was having trouble with yeast infections as well, which always give me bad breakouts, so I'm not sure the effect BCP had when I first started. It's not like you hit the 3 month mark and all of the sudden it's all better, for me it was more of a slow decrease in breakouts over time, starting at around the 3 month mark. I've been on it for about 9-10 months now and the effects have remained.

[Green Gables]

2 weeks is way too soon to quit. Give it at least 6 months. Hormones are tricky and take time to balance out.

[LennysTomatoes]

I've got a somewhat related question.
I've been on and off of BCP for the past few years. Never seems to completely keep my breakouts under control. This time when I went back on (I've been on the DIane-35 for about 5 months now) My skin started getting dry patches around my mouth. This has never happened to me when I was on BCP or Accutane a few years ago. My new doctor said it was due to stress. But I don't feel any more stressed than usual.
I also have oily skin so It's annoying having both dry and oily skin to deal with. I've been using a natural cleanser which has helped to moisturize but I 've just been using a regular neutrogena moisturizer with SPF. Any suggestions for moisturizers you've used that moisturize and keep oil undercontrol? Anyone?

[Green Gables]

I use the CeraVe moisturizer

[HelloLovve]

Totally agree. It's too soon. Give it 4-6 months. I was on Ortho (hated it), went to Loestrin (was okay moodwise, but acne was still bad), then went to Yaz...AMAZING. My skin was so clear! Also, most ppl complain about an initial breakout when starting BCP. Good luck.

[Iris9]

Any suggestions for moisturizers you've used that moisturize and keep oil undercontrol? Anyone?

I'm not sure which Neutrogena moisturizer you use, but Neutrogena's "combination skin" moisturizer is pretty good. It doesn't have SPF in it, though. Tazorac makes my skin dry in patches but I also have oily skin, and I found that this moisturizer was pretty good at moisturizing where I need it without making me greasy everywhere else.

Or you could try applying a heavier moisturizer only in the area where you need it, and sticking with something lighter everywhere else.

[Green Gables]

P.S. Ortho Tri Cyclen is not a great pill for acne. It is a phasic pill meaning that the hormone amounts vary at different times of the month, and that doesn't seem to jive real well with acne patients. You'll find we do much better on higher estrogen, non-phasic pills. I've heard good things about Diane-35. Some will also recommend Yaz/Yasmin for acne. It does not have high estrogen but it contains a small dose of spironolactone which is an anti-androgen that helps acne.