tazorac for me, but same thing...it does cause the current clogged pores to purge, sometimes they just fall out, sometimes they turn into white heads....it took quite a few weeks to get through it, over 8 if I recall....it's a pain but just do it

I guess you could start slow, like every other night, or just do certain areas...but just jump in, the sooner you start the sooner you'll see results...although it doesn't work for everyone, but patience here is key

I was prescribed Retin-A (Tretinoin) back in November. It's been 14 weeks with NO IMPROVEMENT. My story about that is under my topics called "No Improvement Tretinoin 14 weeks". I'm now being refereed to a dermatologist. However, some people think it's their "cure" for acne. It varies. For me, I ad clear skin every so often on Tretinoin but it would just keep getting worse.

Well, I went to the Pharmacy to pick up my Doxy and Spiro and told them I am all set with Retin A right now. It scares the ever living crap out of me. I've already been on Spiro purge for about 8 weeks, and each different treatment takes about 12+ weeks, so I am just going to stick it out.

I am really really really sorry to hear this made things no better for you. It is so heartbreaking and frustrating to be trying something that is just not working. Do you know what your next course of action will be? Accutane, anti, Spiro? I hate this whole thing called acne :-/

I was prescribed Retin-A (Tretinoin) back in November. It's been 14 weeks with NO IMPROVEMENT. My story about that is under my topics called "No Improvement Tretinoin 14 weeks". I'm now being refereed to a dermatologist. However, some people think it's their "cure" for acne. It varies. For me, I ad clear skin every so often on Tretinoin but it would just keep getting worse.

Sooooo my derm had prescribed me Retin A at my last visit a few weeks ago, but I have been DEATHLY afraid to fill it and start using it. I've been on Spiro for about 2 months and Yasmin started my 2nd month. I am dealing with closed comedones and clogged pores at the moment that inflame one by one and it is annoying as all hell. My inflammed acne has stopped for the most part, I have just one right now.

Really really really could use some words of wisdom? How to start using it without taking 5 steps back? Can you start by treating just small areas? How bad was the IB? Did it just cause the clogs to purge or did you notice it actual cause new acne to come up that was not anyway visible before?

Thank you thank you thank you in advance!

Start slow with Retin-A. Use a pea-sized amount. It's really tempting to use more, but don't.

You'll have to apply every three nights for about two weeks. If you don't experience major irritation, go apply every two nights for two weeks. Ramp it up from there until you can apply nightly.

If you can't apply nightly for some reason, maybe only every other night, that's okay. Some people just can't. If you still want to use a retinoid nightly, some dermatologists recommend applying high-strength retinol in between.

Use SPF 30+ daily. This is very important. You don't want to worsen dryness, redness, and put yourself at greater risk for sun damage.

Keep a good moisturizer handy for any dryness. Vanicream or Aquaphor is pretty good. Some dermatologists recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion PM.

Well, I went to the Pharmacy to pick up my Doxy and Spiro and told them I am all set with Retin A right now. It scares the ever living crap out of me. I've already been on Spiro purge for about 8 weeks, and each different treatment takes about 12+ weeks, so I am just going to stick it out.

I am really really really sorry to hear this made things no better for you. It is so heartbreaking and frustrating to be trying something that is just not working. Do you know what your next course of action will be? Accutane, anti, Spiro? I hate this whole thing called acne :-/

I was prescribed Retin-A (Tretinoin) back in November. It's been 14 weeks with NO IMPROVEMENT. My story about that is under my topics called "No Improvement Tretinoin 14 weeks". I'm now being refereed to a dermatologist. However, some people think it's their "cure" for acne. It varies. For me, I ad clear skin every so often on Tretinoin but it would just keep getting worse.

Not yet. I am kind of hoping Accutane since I have tried everything under the sun. But the risks just scare me and plus, I'm a hypochondriac so if I even get a headache on Accutane I'll think my head is gonna explode. lol I hope this treatment works for you.

Wow @ CarpeMomentum how is retin a working for you now? I just recently went to a derm and started Taz and Im feeling worried. I have the same issues you have with the closed comedones which have just become more persistent since the whole birth control thing . Im soooo worried that this wont work for me or that my skin will never be what it was pre pill. Ugh so depressing seriously! Hope your having success!

Hey Krissy!! Sooooo I actually was way too frightened to start Retin A so I decided to stick to the Chemical peel route that I could have a bit more control over. I've had success and have cleared my closed comedones, I maybe have 2 clogged pores left on each side of my face and they are slowly being cleared away with peels. No one can notice them but me. I've used that MUAC 15%mandelic/15%salicylic for the past 3 weeks and it has been a god send. It's been the best decision I've made with my skin care. I've got a great routine that is keeping any new comedones at bay. I am looooving their Mandelic toner, just switched to it 3 weeks ago as well from a glycolic and it is FANtastic. How are things going for you? How are you doing emotionally with everything?

Wow @ CarpeMomentum how is retin a working for you now? I just recently went to a derm and started Taz and Im feeling worried. I have the same issues you have with the closed comedones which have just become more persistent since the whole birth control thing . Im soooo worried that this wont work for me or that my skin will never be what it was pre pill. Ugh so depressing seriously! Hope your having success!

Hey Krissy!! Sooooo I actually was way too frightened to start Retin A so I decided to stick to the Chemical peel route that I could have a bit more control over. I've had success and have cleared my closed comedones, I maybe have 2 clogged pores left on each side of my face and they are slowly being cleared away with peels. No one can notice them but me. I've used that MUAC 15%mandelic/15%salicylic for the past 3 weeks and it has been a god send. It's been the best decision I've made with my skin care. I've got a great routine that is keeping any new comedones at bay. I am looooving their Mandelic toner, just switched to it 3 weeks ago as well from a glycolic and it is FANtastic. How are things going for you? How are you doing emotionally with everything?

Wow @ CarpeMomentum how is retin a working for you now? I just recently went to a derm and started Taz and Im feeling worried. I have the same issues you have with the closed comedones which have just become more persistent since the whole birth control thing . Im soooo worried that this wont work for me or that my skin will never be what it was pre pill. Ugh so depressing seriously! Hope your having success!

Hey there! Im glad the chemical peel route is working for you. I actually tried the mandelic acid and it left me skin very soft. I went to a derm though because I thought she would give me better advice. As far as the taz goes its strange I just started using it and my face is pretty raw . Even my bp is burning my skin. Emotionally Im not doing too well..everyone is super concerned that Im over doing it but I really wish I could have my prepill skin back . Im thinking of going to see a chinese herbalist to try to balance things out. Summer is coming and Im feeling miserable. I know I dont want to try another birth control bc thats like playing with fire lol. How is spiro working for you are you officially over the outbreak?

Im just feeling so concered that my skin will never go back to what it was . Thank you so much for asking I really appreciate the support.

I am so so so sorry to hear you are really in a rough spot right now. I can tell you that I was exactly where you are now and that there is lots and lots of hope. Your skin can return to its prepill state, you just need to get things balanced out internally and you will start seeing the good affects on your skin. Hormones are such a sensitive and tricky thing, I have learned more than I should since this all started. Spiro has truly truly been amazing, things have been consistent and I can say that I have my confidence back and can go out with no makeup and be completely ok. The oil production has finnnnnally slowed down, but it was only after the increase in dose. I know you are freightened to go back on the bill or try one, you have to do what is right for you. These treatments take so long to work, but they do work. I've been on BC for 16 years and with PCOS I probably wont ever go off. If you are going to go the route of herbs I've read great results on Licorice root and Peonie are options that chinese herbalists use to reduce testosterone. Not may people have talked about it on here, but licorice seems to have some great research and results on the reduction. You might want to see if you can go to an Endo or your GP to get hormone panel testing. So maybe you can get a real picture of what is going on before you start taking meds or pills or herbs. I would make sure you know exactly what you are treating (Estrogen dominance, high testosterone, etc). Last thing you want is to drag out this process longer. I am here for whatever questions you have or advice or just to listen. It is the one thing that has gotten me trhough my really really rough days was this board and the great people!

 

Hey Krissy!! Sooooo I actually was way too frightened to start Retin A so I decided to stick to the Chemical peel route that I could have a bit more control over. I've had success and have cleared my closed comedones, I maybe have 2 clogged pores left on each side of my face and they are slowly being cleared away with peels. No one can notice them but me. I've used that MUAC 15%mandelic/15%salicylic for the past 3 weeks and it has been a god send. It's been the best decision I've made with my skin care. I've got a great routine that is keeping any new comedones at bay. I am looooving their Mandelic toner, just switched to it 3 weeks ago as well from a glycolic and it is FANtastic. How are things going for you? How are you doing emotionally with everything?

 

Wow @ CarpeMomentum how is retin a working for you now? I just recently went to a derm and started Taz and Im feeling worried. I have the same issues you have with the closed comedones which have just become more persistent since the whole birth control thing . Im soooo worried that this wont work for me or that my skin will never be what it was pre pill. Ugh so depressing seriously! Hope your having success!

Yeah I dont know what to do. Granted my acne is still mild knock on wood. Im not getting cycsts thus far as most other girls have experienced but again prior to this I didnt have acne prone skin . Its mild but persistent and my face is turning into one big old scar. Im thinking about trying out dong quai. But your absolutly right I dont know exactly where my problem is. To my understanding Im not showing signs of estrogen dominance. A part of me wants to wait this out and another part wants to just get rid of this now with some form of medicine approach. Idk

If this helps you at all, I only started having a flare up last fall around October/November. My skin had been fine before that, maybe 1 or 2 small little spots every few weeks. I didn't worry about my skin at all. Then my hormones went all wacky and they weren't getting any better so I tested my hormones and knowing the issue helped. I forget how old you said you were, but I am 32 and experienced a similar flare up when I was 26/27 out of the blue my hormones acted up. So, if you think that Spiro is an option you may want to look into the testing of your hormones. Only you know what is best for you when it comes to how long you can wait it out. Acne is a symptom, now finding out what it is a symptom of is the really tough part for some. Mine was easy...PCOS...testosterone and there is an easy answer. You are determined and focused, so don't stop until you get the answer and the treatment that you know will help you get back to where you desperately want to be. You will heal, the scars will fade and this will become the past soon enough. Stay strong, but don't give up on finding a solution that will work long term for you.

Yeah I dont know what to do. Granted my acne is still mild knock on wood. Im not getting cycsts thus far as most other girls have experienced but again prior to this I didnt have acne prone skin . Its mild but persistent and my face is turning into one big old scar. Im thinking about trying out dong quai. But your absolutly right I dont know exactly where my problem is. To my understanding Im not showing signs of estrogen dominance. A part of me wants to wait this out and another part wants to just get rid of this now with some form of medicine approach. Idk

Wow I cant tell you how much that touched me! You literally brought tears to my eyes thank you so much from my heart I mean that. I am so determined to heal my body..those pills really did not do me any justice.

As far as my age I am 23 I did experience some acne in my teens but it lasted for maybe a year and since then I had 100% clear skin. And I also I did notice a lot of women experience like an onset period where they get not type of acne at all post pill. My acne started immediately when I started the pill and have had it since then. Its become more persistent however since Ive stopped. I actually am in the process of scheduling an appointment with a local naturopath/ acupuncturist. Apparently he has great reviews on yelp so well see. If he can give me some intuitive advice or guidance as far as healing myself internally Id be super grateful lol. With that being said if that doesn't work out I will definitely consider spiro because I have a lot of pcos symptoms. Before I took this pill like I mentioned prior I got tested for and didn't have it but Im thinking its worth testing now.

But seriously thank you so much for your help and support. Your comment just made me feel like there is hope somewhere down the road for me one way or the other. Thank you and I am glad you found something that works so well for your skinl!!

Anytime!! This can be such a lonely lonely thing suffering with acne no matter how mild or severe. It causes emotional distress and that I think is one of the hardest parts. That is GREAT you are seeing a Natropath, that's who actually did all of my tests and then I took those results to my GP who referred me to the Endo. Like seriously, crazy expensive, but I wouldn't stop and so glad I did. Let me know what the Natropath says. Being a woman is challenging as it is, having pressure to look a certain way, act a certain way and at 23 you should be carefree and not stressed about this, but you are so young. Hopefully you find answers soon and never have to deal with this crap again. You will be a stronger woman once you get through this, I guarantee. So glad I could offer any type of consolation to you. Positive thoughts and meditation also really helped me, envision yourself clear and acne free, What you put out into the universe you get

Wow I cant tell you how much that touched me! You literally brought tears to my eyes thank you so much from my heart I mean that. I am so determined to heal my body..those pills really did not do me any justice.

As far as my age I am 23 I did experience some acne in my teens but it lasted for maybe a year and since then I had 100% clear skin. And I also I did notice a lot of women experience like an onset period where they get not type of acne at all post pill. My acne started immediately when I started the pill and have had it since then. Its become more persistent however since Ive stopped. I actually am in the process of scheduling an appointment with a local naturopath/ acupuncturist. Apparently he has great reviews on yelp so well see. If he can give me some intuitive advice or guidance as far as healing myself internally Id be super grateful lol. With that being said if that doesn't work out I will definitely consider spiro because I have a lot of pcos symptoms. Before I took this pill like I mentioned prior I got tested for and didn't have it but Im thinking its worth testing now.

But seriously thank you so much for your help and support. Your comment just made me feel like there is hope somewhere down the road for me one way or the other. Thank you and I am glad you found something that works so well for your skinl!!