I am just coming off a terrible acne flare that lasted months. Pretty much ruined my summer. I spent more time at the dermatologist than enjoying the beautiful weather!

I learned quite a few lessons dealing with this annoyance - two being to pay attention to diet and not to ignore good quality moisturizer.

The derm practice I go to has many doctors. I usually just take whoever is available. I had the good luck of meeting with a female derm who asked me about my diet. She specifically mentioned whey protein. I work out a lot and had been consuming a ton of whey protein + dairy in the form of Greek yogurt. The flare started around the time I started drinking daily shakes. I only use unsweetened, plain, NSF approved protein powder so the quality was not the issue. It was the whey. Being a nutrition professional, I should have known better...

Here is what worked for me to calm things down. Keep in mind, this was not a quick fix and it took me about 8 weeks to get everything under control. Still in the calming phase.

• Got off dairy completed (THIS has been hard! I love cheese)
• Switched to pea and hemp protein powders
• Started doxycycline. I am on month 2. Month 1, I took 200mg/day. Now decreased to 100mg/day. I will only stay on it another month.
• Went back on Spirolactone 100mg per day.
• Started moisturizing like crazy since my skin was so dry from all the acne meds. The dryness was causing more breakouts! I SWEAR by Biafine. Get a script from your derm. It is not covered by insurance, but worth every penny. It has saved my skin and healed all the sore areas. It is water based so it should not break you out. I would wear a thick layer to bed every night. Ask for the 90g tube. DO NOT get a generic. You need the name brand.
• Wash with a gentle cleaner - I like La Roche Posey Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
• 2.5% BP in the morning --> Paula's Choice
• .05% Retin A at night (started 3x/week built up to nightly)
• For stubborn spots, blackheads and whiteheads I love La Roche PoseyEffaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment. Only use as a spot treatment. This stuff is drying!
• Love, love love the Zitsticka Press Refresh mask. I put one on 1x/wk. Wait for the sales and stock up!

I also want to share that I was feeling desperate, very anxious and depressed. At my age, I was also so embarrassed to be so broken out. It was mortifying and I wanted instant gratification with all the meds. BUT you must be patient and allow your skin time to heal. That is where the biafine comes in. It was made specifically for burns and wounds. It stimulates cell regeneration. It is available over the counter in France and women swear by it.