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Hey guys. I have been on Spiroloctone for now 1 year. I am really upset and need advice. After 6 months on the drug, my skin was flawlessly clear. I was so happy. In June, I was going through alot of Mental Health issues. I started staying out late, not washing my face before bed, and just abusing my skin again since it cleared up so well. I randomly made the terrible decision to switch the products I was using. I was using Cerave cleanser and moisturizer which has always been amazing for my skin. I started using a Burts Bees cleanser that I later realized was FILLED with fragrances and alcohol and was not formulated for my skin type. I thought that the medication would be enough. Fast forward a month and my entire face broke out again. I currently am feeling extremely depressed about this. Right now I have like 10 or more pimples on my face. They are all on my chin and jaw. I started adding random toners and peels and oils to experiment which also was the worst mistake ever. I should still be clear and actually at my clearest point right now. I see pictures from a month ago and I was so confident and I am going on a huge trip in 4 months and I am terrified it is going to keep going downhill. I feel like I am back at square one. I recently started just using the Cerave cleanser and moisturizer again only. I just cant believe that the products destroyed all my progress like that. I never stopped taking Spiro and Ortho Tri Cyclen. I guess its a lesson to not experiment with products and stick to what works. I just need advice. I don't want to go on any topical creams or antibiotics. Spiroloctone is still very much in my system. Do you guys think my skin will heal itself if I just keep using Cerave and taking the Spiro? I am having this anxiety the Spiro just stopped working, but it has to be the products. I am so discouraged right now since I have TONS of whiteheads all over the lower half of my face. Please help me if you can.
You don't say how old you are. I have had to adjust my spiro dose with age and hormonal changes. I needed a higher dose (200 mg) in my thirties because of hormonal shifts (had higher androgen levels back then). In my forties and early 50s I was more estrogen dominant, which is common, so I actually was able to go off it. Now I'm 62, the estrogen levels are falling, and I need a higher dose (up to 100 mg).
I've had hormonal acne since age 7. In my experience there are some things that you can put on your face that might cause breakouts, but really, for hormonal acne it's mostly dependent on interior processes in your body. I have adopted a minimalistic approach to skin care. Soap (Dr. Bronner's castile soap or Phisoderm), and a little estrogen cream I put on at night, period. You could use a very pure moisturizer (I don't) but all that other stuff is just there to earn money for business concerns. Also, they are filled with chemicals -- check out the "cleanest" products for skin and hair on the Environmental Working Group's cosmetic page: [removed].
If your acne is indeed hormonal, you are just muddying the waters with all that product. I wish you the best of luck with this.