blondedancer10

I am experiencing EVERYTHING YOU ARE. Down to being on BC since I was 16, (I am almost 24), and went off bc 3 months ago. I am taking Spiro too! 25mg a day for 2 months, and bumped up to 50mg 3 weeks ago. And experience EXACTLY what you said. Have you found any relief yet!?? Let me know!!

I have not had any luck. I was moved to 100mg of Spiro in May and noticed no change. I was also getting 2 periods a month because of the Spiro, so I was put on birth control as well. I tried this combo for 6 months and didn't see much of a difference as far as my face or getting 2 periods a month. I stopped taking Spiro and my face hasn't really gotten any worse. It's still the same cycle, I've always had. I break out on my chin with a couple of cysts near my period, and I will also get a couple of small inflamed pimples on my chin that have pus in the middle. My forehead is horrible broken out almost always with tiny bumps that aren't whiteheads or blackheads. I'll get a few on my forehead that are a little bigger than the others and they are painful but do not ever form into anything. I also break out next to my nose and slightly in my nasolabial folds.

I'm currently taking Tri-Sprintec birth control and washing my face with Noble Zinc Soap and that is all. I really am lost as to how to control my acne better......nothing seems to help or give me relief. I've read that it could be folliculitis, dermatitis, and a billion other things...who knows. It's hopeless at this point

If you had the problem with the flakiness before you started BP, I would agree with the person who mentioned using a zinc pyrithione cleanser, but it sounds like you're thinking the flakiness if being caused by the BP and looks worse with makeup. If that's the case, you may want to try using either a moisturizer or hydrating primer that contains hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid binds water to the skin and hydrates very well without using oil. If your skin's dehydrated, your skin needs water and adding oil or oil substitutes won't help.

The other possibility is that your oily skin is causing the BP to collect in certain areas and overmedicate these places. Are you having this happen around your nostrils or near your mouth? If so, you may want to be cautious when applying, and make sure to double check that product hasn't collected in any folds.

Also if you find that the flaky areas are intensified only when you're wearing makeup, you could try switching to something with lighter coverage. If there's less pigment, there's not as much that can catch on the flakes if that makes any sense.

I actually have stopped using the BP for about 5 months now and I'm not using any topical on my face, just my Biore face wash. I am still seeing the same flakey, yet oily outcome so I am beginning to believe it may indeed be something else. I remember having this issue in high school as well and I was not using BP back then either... where can I get the 2% zinc face wash? any suggestions?

Still looking for some input! I appreciate the above suggestions but unfortunately I am still experiencing this issue. Especially when I wear makeup, my T-zone is shiney/oily, yet you can see up close that it is dry and flakey. I tried using a sheer blotting powder in this area but it just accentuates the flakiness...HELP!!!

that's what I'm thinking also, but I've only taken it twice :/ hmmmm I don't know but I've decided to start taking more vitamins so maybe it'll help some, along with lots of water and a good diet!

I use Benzoyl peroxide as well, and it made my skin super dry. Lola Burns is right, you have to use moisturizer everyday and that really helps. My skin was a bit of a wreck for a week or two, but once I started to moisturize it all came together. I also cut back on how much of the BP I use. I use my BP mainly at night and that has cut down on some of the dryness. I also exfoliate everyday or every other day and that seems to lightly slough off the dry skin and my skin much brighter.

Try Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant it is a Rice-based enzme powder and it is not grainy, this stuff is wonderful!
I also use Dermalogica Ultra Calming cleanser- This is a great cleanser and it also removes makeup...good stuff!

I don't recommend all of Dermalogica's product but these two I think are the best for problem skin.

What moisturizer do you use? I have been on the hunt for a good one that won't break me out but leave me moisturized yet not with a greasy face, and I've been looking for a VERY long time. I'd love to hear your recommendations