Hope everyone is doing well, I like to check back in this thread from time to time to see how everyone is doing. This thread gave me a place to vent during some of my worst moments & struggles so I'm really glad to see it's still going strong.

Update on me: Skin is still doing great thanks to my time on The Regimen. I still get the occasional pimple, but my acne is so manageable now and it's not the the horrible burden it once was that kept me staring into a mirror at myself for sometimes 30 minutes straight just obsessing. So glad to be free of that worry where I think to myself "so what kind of pimple will I get this week, will it be a cyst, where will it show up, etc etc."

Right now I have a small pimple near the top of my nose but the AHA is doing a great job of killing it and otherwise my skin is in good shape. I've been busy with work and I'm considering switching from full-time to part-time soon so that I can go back to school. Been getting lots of compliments on my skin at work and what really makes me feel good is hearing that some girls at my work find me attractive...that's such a good feeling because I spent so much time isolating myself during some of my worst depressions and became convinced that I was the ugliest thing that has ever walked this earth.

Overall just glad to be back into the world again and interacting with people on a daily basis...it's still a struggle at times and there are occasionally uncomfortable moments where I long to just chill in my safe little room...but I become more and more comfortable being out in public & social with each passing day. Glad I made the decision to actually live life again and stop isolating myself from the world.

On 11/15/2013 at 7:16 AM, Randall Flagg said:

Hope everyone is doing well, I like to check back in this thread from time to time to see how everyone is doing. This thread gave me a place to vent during some of my worst moments & struggles so I'm really glad to see it's still going strong.

Update on me: Skin is still doing great thanks to my time on The Regimen. I still get the occasional pimple, but my acne is so manageable now and it's not the the horrible burden it once was that kept me staring into a mirror at myself for sometimes 30 minutes straight just obsessing. So glad to be free of that worry where I think to myself "so what kind of pimple will I get this week, will it be a cyst, where will it show up, etc etc."

Right now I have a small pimple near the top of my nose but the AHA is doing a great job of killing it and otherwise my skin is in good shape. I've been busy with work and I'm considering switching from full-time to part-time soon so that I can go back to school. Been getting lots of compliments on my skin at work and what really makes me feel good is hearing that some girls at my work find me attractive...that's such a good feeling because I spent so much time isolating myself during some of my worst depressions and became convinced that I was the ugliest thing that has ever walked this earth.

Overall just glad to be back into the world again and interacting with people on a daily basis...it's still a struggle at times and there are occasionally uncomfortable moments where I long to just chill in my safe little room...but I become more and more comfortable being out in public & social with each passing day. Glad I made the decision to actually live life again and stop isolating myself from the world.

This is great! I'm so happy for you

I'm making the same "journey" from isolation to the ordinary world. It feels really great to go out and see people instead of hiding. It's also nice noticing people noticing me and not immediately thinking "Oh god, is my face really that bad today?!"

To anyone hurting... never give up! I was in a very very dark place a few months ago... severe acne and severe depression. I have my bad days, but overall the turn around has been great. Good medical help, support of my family... these things have really helped me.

Home now after having a great little break at the beach with a few friends this past week.

I didn't let my skin bother me and had a great time - even went out during the day without makeup and it's been a while since I've done that! The only thing that bothered me was having my shoulders / back exposed when at the pool or beach while in swimmers / togs and knowing that my shoulders / back has broken out a bit lately and has a bit of PIH from old spots. So I was quite self-conscious about that (and like I needed more reason to feel self-conscious / exposed - being in swimmers is enough ) But I was at the beach / pool having a good time anyway and didn't worry over it much.

I haven't done the regimen properly for about 4 days or so now but used a 5% BP wash morning and night and just a little BP at night just to make things easier for the short time I've been away, and my skin has coped really well.

The only bad thing is that my PIH on my face seems a little darker - probably because of the sun (even though I used a tonne of SPF).

Back to doing the regimen properly tonight and using AHA to hopefully help with the PIH.

I'm 23 yrs old and I've been suffering from acne since I was 12...It got bad then good then bad then good then up until recently last year around January my acne got out of control and just took a toll on my self confidence. I try to find things I love about myself to deter from my skin but when I wake up that's all I see is acne and scars. I keep telling myself "don't worry this is just a normal college student phase, when you get your degree and into your career this will go away." I can't help but notice the attention from guys I use to get when my skin wasn't a issue and the lack of now that it has bad....I just want to feel beautiful again but I can't seem to get that feeling back...now all I want to do is just rip my face off and its so aggravating and annoying. =[

Hi, I was reading your post and as a fellow uni student I felt compelled to reply. I know it's frustrating when other people can't really understand what you're going through, so I wanted to say that as I was reading your post, I felt like crying because it sounds just like something I would write. I'm in my last year of school, and it breaks my heart knowing that this is the year I should really be making the most of. I've avoided walking to school for quite some time now out of the sheer discomfort I get when people are walking in the opposite direction. I've stopped going to parties/bars with my friends, and I've given up the hope of having a boyfriend anytime soon (or maybe even ever). Anyway, the point of all of this was to say that it's ok to feel the way you do sometimes, but you're definitely not alone!! I also wanted to say that your message helped me feel that I'm not alone either! That's why I'm so thankful there's a site such as this one. And lastly, I can tell that you're a beautiful person, not just from your profile picture, but also from your positivity and motivation.

Hey guys! It's been a while - since I was unfairly scolded on this thread, for writing a post full of jealousy and insecurity, didn't feel like posting here. But there are some things I wanted to say - there is hope out there! Even chronic moderate acne sufferers like me can find a cure. Today (or tomorrow, not quite sure) marks a month since I got my last breakout. It's been the clearest month in my life since a very long time - I literally got not a single pimple, despite these factors: sudden climate and sleeping regime change + change back to regular; eating whatever the heck I wanted eat (except dairy, but I don't like it anyway), including candies, potatoes, loads of bread and pasta, exotic fruits I never tasted and all kinds of foods that are usually named as triggers. I'm only telling that to point out that not always there is a link between acne and diet, and everyone should be able to find for themselves and not blindly follow the recommendations to eliminate foods.
I'm on Yasmin + 50 mg Spiro, and haven't had a single smallest breakout in a month. In 6 months time I'm planning to slowly increase my Spiro dose and decrease Yasmin, until I'm only taking Spiro.
Good luck everyone

Hey guys! It's been a while - since I was unfairly scolded on this thread, for writing a post full of jealousy and insecurity, didn't feel like posting here. But there are some things I wanted to say - there is hope out there! Even chronic moderate acne sufferers like me can find a cure. Today (or tomorrow, not quite sure) marks a month since I got my last breakout. It's been the clearest month in my life since a very long time - I literally got not a single pimple, despite these factors: sudden climate and sleeping regime change + change back to regular; eating whatever the heck I wanted eat (except dairy, but I don't like it anyway), including candies, potatoes, loads of bread and pasta, exotic fruits I never tasted and all kinds of foods that are usually named as triggers. I'm only telling that to point out that not always there is a link between acne and diet, and everyone should be able to find for themselves and not blindly follow the recommendations to eliminate foods.

I'm on Yasmin + 50 mg Spiro, and haven't had a single smallest breakout in a month. In 6 months time I'm planning to slowly increase my Spiro dose and decrease Yasmin, until I'm only taking Spiro.

Good luck everyone

That's so great to hear Pianina, I'm really pleased for you! I hope I can join you in the wonderful land of the clear sometime soon.

I have a few actives at the moment but they are only noticeable close up so I suppose that isn`t too bad. I`m going away for the weekend and although I am looking forward to it, due to my mood recently I am feeling quite anxious. My whole day to day routine, diet, cleansing routine etc are going to be totally different for the next few days. I`m a little bit paranoid that the complete change in environment etc will have an adverse effect on my skin.

Hey guys! It's been a while - since I was unfairly scolded on this thread, for writing a post full of jealousy and insecurity, didn't feel like posting here. But there are some things I wanted to say - there is hope out there! Even chronic moderate acne sufferers like me can find a cure. Today (or tomorrow, not quite sure) marks a month since I got my last breakout. It's been the clearest month in my life since a very long time - I literally got not a single pimple, despite these factors: sudden climate and sleeping regime change + change back to regular; eating whatever the heck I wanted eat (except dairy, but I don't like it anyway), including candies, potatoes, loads of bread and pasta, exotic fruits I never tasted and all kinds of foods that are usually named as triggers. I'm only telling that to point out that not always there is a link between acne and diet, and everyone should be able to find for themselves and not blindly follow the recommendations to eliminate foods.

I'm on Yasmin + 50 mg Spiro, and haven't had a single smallest breakout in a month. In 6 months time I'm planning to slowly increase my Spiro dose and decrease Yasmin, until I'm only taking Spiro.

Good luck everyone

This is amazing! I think I may have to jump on the Spiro bandwagon. I'm getting a few spots still, but they've greatly reduced since going on Beyaz. I bet Spiro would just push me to full clarity! lol So happy for you!!

Feeling a bit down lately. Stressed at work, not eating properly, had a death in the family, not sleeping, etc. Still doing my same skin care routine but breaking out somewhat.

I just wish i could get a minute to breathe

my exams are comming n i just cant concentrate on studies.. feel i would have been a much better student if i dint have acne.. you guys give me hope n strength to continue..

 

Hey guys! It's been a while - since I was unfairly scolded on this thread, for writing a post full of jealousy and insecurity, didn't feel like posting here. But there are some things I wanted to say - there is hope out there! Even chronic moderate acne sufferers like me can find a cure. Today (or tomorrow, not quite sure) marks a month since I got my last breakout. It's been the clearest month in my life since a very long time - I literally got not a single pimple, despite these factors: sudden climate and sleeping regime change + change back to regular; eating whatever the heck I wanted eat (except dairy, but I don't like it anyway), including candies, potatoes, loads of bread and pasta, exotic fruits I never tasted and all kinds of foods that are usually named as triggers. I'm only telling that to point out that not always there is a link between acne and diet, and everyone should be able to find for themselves and not blindly follow the recommendations to eliminate foods.

I'm on Yasmin + 50 mg Spiro, and haven't had a single smallest breakout in a month. In 6 months time I'm planning to slowly increase my Spiro dose and decrease Yasmin, until I'm only taking Spiro.

Good luck everyone

This is amazing! I think I may have to jump on the Spiro bandwagon. I'm getting a few spots still, but they've greatly reduced since going on Beyaz. I bet Spiro would just push me to full clarity! lol So happy for you!!

Try adding a small dose of Spiro, maybe that will do the trick For me, bcp alone didn't clear me 100%, but the combo does

Doing fine, better now that i have some days off. Two of my patients seemed to doubt me this past week which irritated me some. Their body language to me read that they were uncomfortable with me; one did not like to make eye contact and he was not of a different ethnicity/culture. Being a pretty accurate guesser I would assume its because of my looks this week.

Sigh* I should work in surgery so i am almost never am seen without a mask.

I had a small amount of dairy these days and no major break out! I am so happy about it!

On 11/16/2013 at 9:11 AM, Sasch83 said:

Feeling a bit down lately. Stressed at work, not eating properly, had a death in the family, not sleeping, etc. Still doing my same skin care routine but breaking out somewhat.

I just wish i could get a minute to breathe

Sorry to hear that, i hope things are going to be better for you soon

On 11/17/2013 at 1:01 AM, hopeforthebest said:

my exams are comming n i just cant concentrate on studies.. feel i would have been a much better student if i dint have acne.. you guys give me hope n strength to continue..

Yes me too.. not really due to acne but other physical reasons which occupy the majority of my time. Now i wish my problem was just acne

On 11/17/2013 at 12:58 PM, k3tchup said:

Doing fine, better now that i have some days off. Two of my patients seemed to doubt me this past week which irritated me some. Their body language to me read that they were uncomfortable with me; one did not like to make eye contact and he was not of a different ethnicity/culture. Being a pretty accurate guesser I would assume its because of my looks this week.

Sigh* I should work in surgery so i am almost never am seen without a mask.

Now that you mentioned it, i have this eye contact problem too (yes, i have a lot of problems ).. i have a condition with my eyes and i am really ashamed of looking people in the eye. My msc is in icu so hopefully most of them will be unconsious but who knows if i will really work in icu..

I'm extremely happy since I haven't had any major break outs now going on 4 months!!! I've been on Spiro almost a month next week and nothing but good stuff is happening to my skin but I hope I'm not speaking too soon lol I've been able to eat anything I want including trigger foods n drinks I wouldn't dare touch before like chocolate and coffee! I really believe the Spiro is working! My 19 year old son is visiting me next week and staying for 5 days, I want to be able to go to the malls, go shopping, eat out, drive around town, mingle with people and not be worried about acne! Spiro seems to be my miracle cure!! I have suffered with acne for 27 years and finally found something that actually is working without going on Accutane again.

I'm extremely happy since I haven't had any major break outs now going on 4 months!!! I've been on Spiro almost a month next week and nothing but good stuff is happening to my skin but I hope I'm not speaking too soon lol I've been able to eat anything I want including trigger foods n drinks I wouldn't dare touch before like chocolate and coffee! I really believe the Spiro is working! My 19 year old son is visiting me next week and staying for 5 days, I want to be able to go to the malls, go shopping, eat out, drive around town, mingle with people and not be worried about acne! Spiro seems to be my miracle cure!! I have suffered with acne for 27 years and finally found something that actually is working without going on Accutane again.

Spiro works for me to! GO SPIRO!! lol

LOL Yes so far its wonderful I'm wondering if I'm speaking too soon about not having an IB, curious to know if you had one and if so, how far along where u on Spiro when you got the IB?

 

I'm extremely happy since I haven't had any major break outs now going on 4 months!!! I've been on Spiro almost a month next week and nothing but good stuff is happening to my skin but I hope I'm not speaking too soon lol I've been able to eat anything I want including trigger foods n drinks I wouldn't dare touch before like chocolate and coffee! I really believe the Spiro is working! My 19 year old son is visiting me next week and staying for 5 days, I want to be able to go to the malls, go shopping, eat out, drive around town, mingle with people and not be worried about acne! Spiro seems to be my miracle cure!! I have suffered with acne for 27 years and finally found something that actually is working without going on Accutane again.

Spiro works for me to! GO SPIRO!! lol

 

LOL Yes so far its wonderful I'm wondering if I'm speaking too soon about not having an IB, curious to know if you had one and if so, how far along where u on Spiro when you got the IB?

I'm extremely happy since I haven't had any major break outs now going on 4 months!!! I've been on Spiro almost a month next week and nothing but good stuff is happening to my skin but I hope I'm not speaking too soon lol I've been able to eat anything I want including trigger foods n drinks I wouldn't dare touch before like chocolate and coffee! I really believe the Spiro is working! My 19 year old son is visiting me next week and staying for 5 days, I want to be able to go to the malls, go shopping, eat out, drive around town, mingle with people and not be worried about acne! Spiro seems to be my miracle cure!! I have suffered with acne for 27 years and finally found something that actually is working without going on Accutane again.

 

 

Spiro works for me to! GO SPIRO!! lol

I haven't had one, but I was on Yasmin when I started Spiro 3-4 weeks ago. Before Spiro I was taking Androcur, which is also an anti-androgen, so maybe my body is already used to such things, though you never know. Don't be paranoid about the IB and enjoy the time you're clear - if you get one, it will be nothing you can do (and it will go away), so better not to worry about anything.

Your absolutely right I shouldn't be worrying! I'm also taking bc and on an antibiotic so maybe that's what is keeping me from the IB....I'm just going to keep enjoying the fact that i'm not breaking out and focus now on fading the scars . Wishing you the best

 

LOL Yes so far its wonderful I'm wondering if I'm speaking too soon about not having an IB, curious to know if you had one and if so, how far along where u on Spiro when you got the IB?

I'm extremely happy since I haven't had any major break outs now going on 4 months!!! I've been on Spiro almost a month next week and nothing but good stuff is happening to my skin but I hope I'm not speaking too soon lol I've been able to eat anything I want including trigger foods n drinks I wouldn't dare touch before like chocolate and coffee! I really believe the Spiro is working! My 19 year old son is visiting me next week and staying for 5 days, I want to be able to go to the malls, go shopping, eat out, drive around town, mingle with people and not be worried about acne! Spiro seems to be my miracle cure!! I have suffered with acne for 27 years and finally found something that actually is working without going on Accutane again.

Spiro works for me to! GO SPIRO!! lol

I haven't had one, but I was on Yasmin when I started Spiro 3-4 weeks ago. Before Spiro I was taking Androcur, which is also an anti-androgen, so maybe my body is already used to such things, though you never know. Don't be paranoid about the IB and enjoy the time you're clear - if you get one, it will be nothing you can do (and it will go away), so better not to worry about anything.

 

LOL Yes so far its wonderful I'm wondering if I'm speaking too soon about not having an IB, curious to know if you had one and if so, how far along where u on Spiro when you got the IB?

I'm extremely happy since I haven't had any major break outs now going on 4 months!!! I've been on Spiro almost a month next week and nothing but good stuff is happening to my skin but I hope I'm not speaking too soon lol I've been able to eat anything I want including trigger foods n drinks I wouldn't dare touch before like chocolate and coffee! I really believe the Spiro is working! My 19 year old son is visiting me next week and staying for 5 days, I want to be able to go to the malls, go shopping, eat out, drive around town, mingle with people and not be worried about acne! Spiro seems to be my miracle cure!! I have suffered with acne for 27 years and finally found something that actually is working without going on Accutane again.

 

 

Spiro works for me to! GO SPIRO!! lol

I have used spiro twice without other drugs (just the prescribed topicals that didn't really work) and never had ib. Don't even think about it, just have great time with your son!

Thank you maria199 I will definitely enjoy my time with my son! How are things with you? Are things getting better?

 

LOL Yes so far its wonderful I'm wondering if I'm speaking too soon about not having an IB, curious to know if you had one and if so, how far along where u on Spiro when you got the IB?

I'm extremely happy since I haven't had any major break outs now going on 4 months!!! I've been on Spiro almost a month next week and nothing but good stuff is happening to my skin but I hope I'm not speaking too soon lol I've been able to eat anything I want including trigger foods n drinks I wouldn't dare touch before like chocolate and coffee! I really believe the Spiro is working! My 19 year old son is visiting me next week and staying for 5 days, I want to be able to go to the malls, go shopping, eat out, drive around town, mingle with people and not be worried about acne! Spiro seems to be my miracle cure!! I have suffered with acne for 27 years and finally found something that actually is working without going on Accutane again.

Spiro works for me to! GO SPIRO!! lol

I have used spiro twice without other drugs (just the prescribed topicals that didn't really work) and never had ib. Don't even think about it, just have great time with your son!

 

Thank you maria199 I will definitely enjoy my time with my son! How are things with you? Are things getting better?

LOL Yes so far its wonderful I'm wondering if I'm speaking too soon about not having an IB, curious to know if you had one and if so, how far along where u on Spiro when you got the IB?

I'm extremely happy since I haven't had any major break outs now going on 4 months!!! I've been on Spiro almost a month next week and nothing but good stuff is happening to my skin but I hope I'm not speaking too soon lol I've been able to eat anything I want including trigger foods n drinks I wouldn't dare touch before like chocolate and coffee! I really believe the Spiro is working! My 19 year old son is visiting me next week and staying for 5 days, I want to be able to go to the malls, go shopping, eat out, drive around town, mingle with people and not be worried about acne! Spiro seems to be my miracle cure!! I have suffered with acne for 27 years and finally found something that actually is working without going on Accutane again.

 

 

Spiro works for me to! GO SPIRO!! lol

I have used spiro twice without other drugs (just the prescribed topicals that didn't really work) and never had ib. Don't even think about it, just have great time with your son!

I made an experiment with dairy, so far so good but i am a little afraid that i will wake up tomorrow with something new and big mainly because i want to see a professor and acne really enjoys appearing when you plan something important As for the brace, i think it's getting better especially since my mother agreed not to use it during night. I am afraid that it might not work but i can't do any better, it's so claustrophobic.

I've heard so many good things about spiro! I asked my doctor about it earlier this year (I was deciding between starting spiro and/or bcp or the acne.org regimen) and she wasn't going to prescribe spiro to me for just acne. Did anyone have any issues getting prescribed spiro for acne?

My skin feels very dry i dont like cold weather, makes my skin feel very rough and makes my makeup look cakey over all i see a little less acne not clear enough though, but hope is there, i miss my clear face D: wuahhhh

I had a small amount of dairy these days and no major break out! I am so happy about it!

Feeling a bit down lately. Stressed at work, not eating properly, had a death in the family, not sleeping, etc. Still doing my same skin care routine but breaking out somewhat.

I just wish i could get a minute to breathe

Sorry to hear that, i hope things are going to be better for you soon

>

my exams are comming n i just cant concentrate on studies.. feel i would have been a much better student if i dint have acne.. you guys give me hope n strength to continue..

Yes me too.. not really due to acne but other physical reasons which occupy the majority of my time. Now i wish my problem was just acne

Doing fine, better now that i have some days off. Two of my patients seemed to doubt me this past week which irritated me some. Their body language to me read that they were uncomfortable with me; one did not like to make eye contact and he was not of a different ethnicity/culture. Being a pretty accurate guesser I would assume its because of my looks this week.

Sigh* I should work in surgery so i am almost never am seen without a mask.

Now that you mentioned it, i have this eye contact problem too (yes, i have a lot of problems ).. i have a condition with my eyes and i am really ashamed of looking people in the eye. My msc is in icu so hopefully most of them will be unconsious but who knows if i will really work in icu..

So you have a msc in icu but your not working in icu?! I'd love an icu rotation...

 

Doing fine, better now that i have some days off. Two of my patients seemed to doubt me this past week which irritated me some. Their body language to me read that they were uncomfortable with me; one did not like to make eye contact and he was not of a different ethnicity/culture. Being a pretty accurate guesser I would assume its because of my looks this week.

Sigh* I should work in surgery so i am almost never am seen without a mask.

Now that you mentioned it, i have this eye contact problem too (yes, i have a lot of problems ).. i have a condition with my eyes and i am really ashamed of looking people in the eye. My msc is in icu so hopefully most of them will be unconsious but who knows if i will really work in icu..

So you have a msc in icu but your not working in icu?! I'd love an icu rotation...

For a number of reasons i don't work at all..