Background: My acne started around 14-15, and gradually worsened until I was 18. I was an 18 year old female about to graduate high school and I was so fed up with acne, having have tried everything under the sun known as acne medications. Over-the-counter creams, washes, BP, chemical peels, diets, antibiotics (topical/internally), natural medicine, herbal teas, rituals (lol I know), retinoids, birth control, pretty much everything aside from Accutane. My acne was all over my forehead (small flesh colored pimples everywhere), chin, nose, but none on cheeks. Also a lot on the back and chest. Acne.org used to be my top-hit website because I'd educate myself every night for hours at a time on new potential cure, but unfortunately not much helped.

Not sure exactly but I want to say in April 2014 is when I went to my Gyno and straight up asked him for Spiro. He did not fight me about it and prescribed Spiro along with Gianvi birth control pills, which from what I understand is because it is not good to get pregnant while taking Spiro.

The first 2-3 months my acne significantly increased. My forehead acne stayed about the same, but I have gotten an incredible amount of cystic pimples all over my chin and jawline as well as some on my forehead which I used to never get, only the little flesh colored ones. I was about to lose all hope, but something wonderful started to happen... The acne started to clear up, slowly but surely, and no new pimples would arrive 4 months in. My back and chest COMPLETELY cleared up after 5 months, and I mean 99.9% with one occasional pathetic attempt at a zit that went away within 2 days. My skin on my face almost completely cleared up also, and to this day, 8 months later, I will get an occasional pimple or two around that time of month and thats gonna be the end of it. I cannot believe what I am typing right now... The only real side effect I've experienced is dry skin on face and everywhere else on the body. I actually use raw Shea butter to moisturize (it is very heavy but its the only thing that will do it for me in winter). Other "side effects" include bigger boobs, slower hair growth (on body), no more oily skin/hair. One thing I have not yet decided is weather it causes hair falling out more or not, but I can either be imagining the whole thing or it can be attributed to something else.

The reason for why I made this post is of course to share my excitement and hope this helps someone else. But also, I have a question. The more I read on the medication the more I see people say that once they get off it, acne comes back and sometimes worse than before That really scares me. I do not believe in staying on a medication for a prolonged period of time, so I would like to get off Spiro eventually. I, however, am also not a fan of the whole "acne comes back worse than ever" thing. So I am wondering if anyone has had an experience with coming off Spiro and how it went for them.

I take Gianvi birth control daily and 50mg Spiro, which is from what I understand is a low dose. My skin care routine is very minimal, I barely wear skin make up (haven't used foundation in months, only concealer on a random spot), wash my face at night with Purpose, only with water in the morning and moisturize with Shea butter. That's it.

Greatly appreciate any responses! (: