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Alright. Well, I have very much enjoyed reading all the successful logs and honestly those posts are what keep me going. I never planned on making a log of my progress but I have decided to because I want to help others (hopefully it's a successful journey!). A little background on my acne... I began getting acne around 15. It wasn't bad at all just your typical teenage breakouts. I went to a dermatologist around 16 when I started to get some acne on my chest and back. She put me on differin and minocycline. I have since then been clear on the chest and back. I had been on that up until August of last year (2011). I felt the need after I had noticed my breakouts getting more intense. It hadn't occured to me that at age 20 I would still be dealing with acne. The new dermatologist put me on Tazorac, Aczone, doxycycline and gave me some Yaz samples. A few weeks later I switched from the Tazorac to Retin-A Micro due to my skins sensitivity. I finally got up the courage to try taking Yaz. I have always been weary of birth control for fear of weight gain (I have been in recovery from an eating disorder for a while now but still have triggers I struggle with). However, at that point I was willing to try ANYTHING if it meant clear skin. I tried the Yaz for a little over a month and didn't like the way it made me feel. I'm not sure if it was the Yaz or just bad timing, but I began to feel depressed. The depression seemed to spiral that month and eventually I had to withdraw from classes that semester. Since being off of it (again it may have just been bad timing) I am back to going to school and working and feeling better than I had (the hopelessness I feel from the acne is still there of course). 4 weeks ago tomorrow I started seeing a new dermatologist who put me on my current regimen which I will be logging.
Morning:
Wash face with Cera Ve Foaming Facial Wash
Apply Aczone
Apply Cera Ve Moisturizer
Take Spironolactone 50mg
Night:
Wash face with Cera Ve Foaming Facial Wash
Apply Cera Ve Moisturizer
Apply Retin-A Micro
Take Spironolactone 50mg
Extra: I do honey and lemon juice masks throughout the week.
I should probably point out that I was prescribed 50mg a day which I took for a couple weeks, but within the last week I began taking 100mg. My next dermatologist appointment is February 28th, so two weeks. So.. the acne as of late: When I began spiro my skin didn't look too bad, it was a better day. I'm not sure if it was a fluke or an initial outbreak but about a week to a week and a half in I got a pretty bad outbreak that got worse the second week. It was, I would say, one of the worst breakouts I've ever had. It started getting a little better last week, but as everyone knows, a bad outbreak doesn't go away overnight. Things really started to look good this week, until tonight... A lot of zits seemed to pop up in the last couple days... Just as the last breakout was healing.... so frustrating!
I NEVER in a million years thought I would post pictures of my face without makeup on the internet. I don't even let my FRIENDS see me without makeup on. My self-consciousness has been running my life for five years though. Over these five years I've learned that being self conscious can actually make a person very selfish. And right now I just know how beneficial all the other posts that have pictures in them have been for me and I really hope I can help others. Actually the only reason I am doing this is so I can (hopefully) help others. SO fresh out of the shower and without further ado....
BTW no forehead picture because I rarely if ever get acne on the forehead. I'll make sure to include weekly updates. Best of luck to everyone else on their journey! Don't give up!
Your skin actually doesn't look too bad! But I am comparing it to mine... If you've seen my log, you'd see that I have spots allllll over my cheeks.
Anyway, I also had a initial breakout the first 2 weeks, but now I'm on week 4 and I have only one active blemish. Hopefully you will experience that too. Good luck!
Trust me, my webcam doesn't do my face justice haha it looks a lot worse in person. At least yours are just spots and not active zits! I'm glad to know an initial outbreak happened to others as well. Can't wait to hear how you progress! I will definitely be following your log! Thanks for the encouragement and good luck to as well! 
I wanted to do a quick update because the only thing on my mind right now is my skin. I would say it looks worse than it probably ever has. I'm not trying to alarm anyone who is thinking about taking spironolactone. I'm ONLY 29 days in. I also have myself to blame. I stood in front of the mirror and picked, scratched, and squeezed. It definitely made it look 10X worse. As if it couldn't get any worse I start my new job tonight. I REALLY want to call and make up some excuse as to why I can't go.... Right now I am sticking to my routine, but have also applied Vitamin E to the (many) spots I've picked. I am also avoiding mirrors at all costs. I think I'm gonna go walk my dog. He's one of the only things that can always put a smile on my face and right now a smile is much needed. Thank goodness it's out in the country so I don't have to worry about running into people! I'm not sure if people are reading this, but if you are keep it up and stay strong!
Hey guys!
Just thought I would join in since I am on the exact same page as you all. I have been taking spironolactone for 24 days now and definitely suffering an initial breakout. I broke out during the first week, second week seemed to be drying up, and just a few days ago I broke out like crazy! I'm wondering though if it has something to do with the fact that it was my birthday this weekend and I did wayy too much drinking... oops. I went to my derm today and he injected me in like seven places and told me to keep it up. So anyway, I have hope that this will be our answer. Yesterday was a really hard day for me, my skin looked awful and I felt hopeless and SO anxious (I used to suffer anxiety attacks, but haven't experienced anxiety like that in years, until yesterday).
cl1234- I used to battle eating issues as well, so I know how hard it is when you add that into the equation...
Good luck everyone! I know what you are going through.
Hey guys!
Just thought I would join in since I am on the exact same page as you all. I have been taking spironolactone for 24 days now and definitely suffering an initial breakout. I broke out during the first week, second week seemed to be drying up, and just a few days ago I broke out like crazy! I'm wondering though if it has something to do with the fact that it was my birthday this weekend and I did wayy too much drinking... oops. I went to my derm today and he injected me in like seven places and told me to keep it up. So anyway, I have hope that this will be our answer. Yesterday was a really hard day for me, my skin looked awful and I felt hopeless and SO anxious (I used to suffer anxiety attacks, but haven't experienced anxiety like that in years, until yesterday).
cl1234- I used to battle eating issues as well, so I know how hard it is when you add that into the equation...
Good luck everyone! I know what you are going through.
I'm so glad I'm not the only one dealing with an initial outbreak! I've read such mixed things about people having them and people not having them. I'm sorry you've been having a hard time. I deal with anxiety as well and I know how you feel. Acne really heightens anxiety. I'm also sorry you've dealt with eating issues as well. I would never wish acne or eating disorders on even my worst enemy. How unlucky are we that we get to deal with both? I'm really glad I decided to make an account on here. People have been really helpful. I'm not glad we have acne but it's nice to be able to go through this with other people. Thank you and keep it up! We already have about one month down!
if i could add on here..
Tomorrow is exactly my 30th day of 100mg spiro which i have 1x a day in morning and my face is the worst ever
I had mild breakouts in the first week of spiro which i thought was the IB, unfortunately it grew worser and by the start of week 3 my face is the WORST its ever been!! my chin and jawline is a disaster and my cheeks and forehead is full of active bumps!
Im 21 and suffered mild acne since 14 and since last year it started gettin really bad so my derm suggested spiro. Accutane scares me and ive had bad experiences with BC too so i stay away from it.
I hope it all works out fine for all of us because this is getting reallly difficult to deal with, inside and out.
My derm told me to give atleast 4 months before 'expecting' any improvement. so jus gonna wait and pray
cl1234, hopefulgirl123, surfnyc.. goodluck you guys!!
if i could add on here..
Tomorrow is exactly my 30th day of 100mg spiro which i have 1x a day in morning and my face is the worst ever
I had mild breakouts in the first week of spiro which i thought was the IB, unfortunately it grew worser and by the start of week 3 my face is the WORST its ever been!! my chin and jawline is a disaster and my cheeks and forehead is full of active bumps!
Im 21 and suffered mild acne since 14 and since last year it started gettin really bad so my derm suggested spiro. Accutane scares me and ive had bad experiences with BC too so i stay away from it.
I hope it all works out fine for all of us because this is getting reallly difficult to deal with, inside and out.
My derm told me to give atleast 4 months before 'expecting' any improvement. so jus gonna wait and pray
cl1234, hopefulgirl123, surfnyc.. goodluck you guys!!
I'm sorry to hear that ): My face isn't looking too great either... One day I had 1, the next I had 4 actives... ugh. Today is Day 31 for me. I'm hoping to see results by month 2... We just have to hang in there!
if i could add on here..
Tomorrow is exactly my 30th day of 100mg spiro which i have 1x a day in morning and my face is the worst ever
I had mild breakouts in the first week of spiro which i thought was the IB, unfortunately it grew worser and by the start of week 3 my face is the WORST its ever been!! my chin and jawline is a disaster and my cheeks and forehead is full of active bumps!
Im 21 and suffered mild acne since 14 and since last year it started gettin really bad so my derm suggested spiro. Accutane scares me and ive had bad experiences with BC too so i stay away from it.
I hope it all works out fine for all of us because this is getting reallly difficult to deal with, inside and out.
My derm told me to give atleast 4 months before 'expecting' any improvement. so jus gonna wait and pray
cl1234, hopefulgirl123, surfnyc.. goodluck you guys!!
Idk if you read a couple of my earlier posts, but my face is also the worst it's ever been and I am also getting zits in places I don't normally. I'm 20 and have been dealing with mild acne since I was about 15. Although in the last few months most days are more moderate than mild. I'm also pretty scared about Accutane. From most stories I read on here if it's hormonal acne it has a good chance of coming back even after a course (or more) of Accutane. I was hoping to avoid BC as well. I've always been afraid it and have even tried it and had a bad experience as well.
My face is looking a bit better, but a couple days ago when the terrible outbreak first appeared it also happened to be my first day of work at my new job. Oh AND the cute guy that works there was my trainer... talk about embarrassing! So I just want you to know that I know what you mean when you talk about it being so difficult, emotionally and physically. Our cases sound very similar and if our dermatologists have high hopes for the spiro than we should too! When I'm having a particularly rough day I like to go read the spironolactone reviews here at acne.org. They really give me hope so if you haven't checked those out you should!
I'm not glad you're dealing with acne, but I am glad you decided to join our little support group. I think it's going to make this process a little easier on all of us to be able to document and talk about how our experience is going. Keep it up! We already have one month down! woo hoo! haha
if i could add on here..
Tomorrow is exactly my 30th day of 100mg spiro which i have 1x a day in morning and my face is the worst ever
I had mild breakouts in the first week of spiro which i thought was the IB, unfortunately it grew worser and by the start of week 3 my face is the WORST its ever been!! my chin and jawline is a disaster and my cheeks and forehead is full of active bumps!
Im 21 and suffered mild acne since 14 and since last year it started gettin really bad so my derm suggested spiro. Accutane scares me and ive had bad experiences with BC too so i stay away from it.
I hope it all works out fine for all of us because this is getting reallly difficult to deal with, inside and out.
My derm told me to give atleast 4 months before 'expecting' any improvement. so jus gonna wait and pray
cl1234, hopefulgirl123, surfnyc.. goodluck you guys!!
Idk if you read a couple of my earlier posts, but my face is also the worst it's ever been and I am also getting zits in places I don't normally. I'm 20 and have been dealing with mild acne since I was about 15. Although in the last few months most days are more moderate than mild. I'm also pretty scared about Accutane. From most stories I read on here if it's hormonal acne it has a good chance of coming back even after a course (or more) of Accutane. I was hoping to avoid BC as well. I've always been afraid it and have even tried it and had a bad experience as well.
My face is looking a bit better, but a couple days ago when the terrible outbreak first appeared it also happened to be my first day of work at my new job. Oh AND the cute guy that works there was my trainer... talk about embarrassing! So I just want you to know that I know what you mean when you talk about it being so difficult, emotionally and physically. Our cases sound very similar and if our dermatologists have high hopes for the spiro than we should too! When I'm having a particularly rough day I like to go read the spironolactone reviews here at acne.org. They really give me hope so if you haven't checked those out you should!
I'm not glad you're dealing with acne, but I am glad you decided to join our little support group. I think it's going to make this process a little easier on all of us to be able to document and talk about how our experience is going. Keep it up! We already have one month down! woo hoo! haha
hey thaanks for replyin! ive ofcourse your earlier posts! you really are pretty! and the breakouts wont last long anyways 
were all on the same page right now.. so glad to find you guys! i went thru the spironolactone reviews sec and voila it really gave me hope!Lol the IB sure is really annoyin when it comes to work! but chill out were gonna be clear in a few months!! jus need to hang in theree!
about my progress.. well the older breakouts on my right cheek and chin are sloooowly healing BUT yesterday i got BIG BAD sissy on my left cheek and a couple on the forehead! these are actually places where i have never broken out ever! its really scary.. oh, & i got my period today.. a week early! guess its gonna take sometime for spiro to fully start effecting once our body gets used to it.. thanks for givin me hoope! only good news right now is that the other side effects have faded out! whee..
hopefulgirl123: yeah i hope its starts its magic quick enuf! dont lose hope! im glad we are all here together!!
throw the doubts and keep the faith..
Hang in there you guys!!! I know exactly what you're going through. I've been on Spiro for five months now with AMAZING results, but the first 2-3 months were completely miserable. Keep your chins up, there's a light at the end of the (really long) tunnel!
Thank you Lkg88! I actually read your log a couple weeks ago and found it very inspiring! Thank you for the motivational support! I'm so happy to hear you have clear skin! It must be amazing to wake up and not have to worry about see new zits pop up every morning. After 2-3 months of being miserable you definitely deserve it! Congratulations and thanks for giving us hope
Hang in there you guys!!! I know exactly what you're going through. I've been on Spiro for five months now with AMAZING results, but the first 2-3 months were completely miserable. Keep your chins up, there's a light at the end of the (really long) tunnel!
Thank you so much for your support. It is really helping me get through this difficult process! I do have a question for you- Did the spiro help get rid of clogging as well as cysts? Or did you just have to rely on the glycolic to get rid of the clogging?
Thanks!
Alrighty, 35 days today, which means 5 weeks down. A week from today I also have my next dermatologist appointment which I am anxiously awaiting. I have really noticed a reduction in oil which I am very happy about. I also never mentioned in previous posts that my nose is covered in blackheads, you can't see it in the pictures but it's really annoying. Although I'd take those blackheads on my nose over giant zits on my chin any day! Some day I just hope I don't have to worry about ANY acne. My terrible breakouts are clearing up, however I have no doubt that another one will pop up soon. Just not knowing when or where is what kills me. I have a few small bumps on my forehead that aren't that noticeable but it's frustrating because I never breakout there. The most annoying zit of the week is the giant on the right of my chin. It's not pretty to look at and it doesn't feel too good either! Here are my weekly pics. I hope everyone else is hanging in there and having a good week!
A really random question for everyone. What kind of side effects (if any) have you guys been getting? I don't think I've been experiencing any. Although I keep reading about all these side effects. One that really scares me is breast growth. I know that sounds sort of stupid, but it is a real concern for me. Have you guys had problems with this? Do you know when this would happen if it does in fact happen?
A really random question for everyone. What kind of side effects (if any) have you guys been getting? I don't think I've been experiencing any. Although I keep reading about all these side effects. One that really scares me is breast growth. I know that sounds sort of stupid, but it is a real concern for me. Have you guys had problems with this? Do you know when this would happen if it does in fact happen?
Hey, I think you look great! Definitely the kind of spots that can be covered with makeup. I'm kind of in the same boat right now... I feel like my major ones have cooled down and I'm looking a bit better (better meaning I don't COMPLETELY want to cry in bed all day haha), but also ready at any moment for another bunch to explode.... So we shall see. And I know exactly what you mean about the breast growth- I will be devastated if my boobs get big! I love being a small chested girl. But so far, maybe just a bit of swelling but nothing noticeable. I have been spotting though, but my period actually came on time this month (it is usually every month and a half). My appetite has decreased, not majorly or anything, but that is fine by me! It could also be anxiety decreasing my appetite too, though, who knows. I haven't really had any side effects other than that.
A really random question for everyone. What kind of side effects (if any) have you guys been getting? I don't think I've been experiencing any. Although I keep reading about all these side effects. One that really scares me is breast growth. I know that sounds sort of stupid, but it is a real concern for me. Have you guys had problems with this? Do you know when this would happen if it does in fact happen?
hey! glad about your progress!! i guess now its jus gonna get better and better.
about the side effects.. the worst one for me was that i lost like 7lbs in a week! i mean cmon its a benefit for most but i was only like 90lbs to start with and now ive dropped to 85lbs but my test results have turned out perty good so im allowed to continue 
And i jus found out that spironolactones a laxative, i mean, now i know why!
i believe its gonna take MONTHS for our boos to groww.. (sorrryy but im pretty lookin forward to this SE
Soo im on my 34th day right now & seriously i DONT think im out of the IB yet.. well on my 31st day i went to my derm (without appointment) totally frustrated that my chin was breakin out so so bad! she calmed me down and started me on an antibiotic - duricef - (never heard, its a drug called cefadroxil) and also told me to apply differin twice daily. i was on finacea before which had helped me superbly before i started spiro but didnt help with the breakout. And also she told me to have a multivitatim daily (feelin soo overmedicated) anyways.. the very next day i noticed all of my cysts dryin up! its gonna take weeks for them to heal but since that time i jus got one pimple on my chin - painful but not big enough. and im still on spiro! so right now im happy that somethings working but i dont think its spiro yet!
The only good thing spiro did is cleared up acne from my back! like right now i only have really small bumps! i stupid i didnt notice this before! so what about you guys? how are things progressin with ya!
Hang in there you guys!!! I know exactly what you're going through. I've been on Spiro for five months now with AMAZING results, but the first 2-3 months were completely miserable. Keep your chins up, there's a light at the end of the (really long) tunnel!
Hello lkg88!
Your log is truly inspiring! right now were only 1 month in so obviously still have a super-loong way to go.. But we'll surely get through!
For now I can completely justify you mentionin (in your last log) about trashing spiro :/
Soo I'm having a bad day.
I have at least four big cysts on my chin that won't go away and only seem to be getting worse, as well as tiny bumps all around them and on my cheeks. I just want this to be over
How's everyone else doing? Hopefully better..... !
I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough day. All of us here know exactly how you feel. I know it's frustrating, but just know you're doing everything you possibly can! It WILL get better. I have read plenty of reviews and information on spironolactone and not once have I heard of it not helping at least somewhat. All most all the ones I have read have said they saw amazing results. The few that didn't admitted that they at least saw SOME positive change. So just know that it WILL get better!!!! I am also experiencing small bumps along the chin, jaw, cheek area. Maybe that's a step in the right direction! Tomorrow is a new day so just get some rest and when you wake up tomorrow you will be one day closer to clear skin
Soo I'm having a bad day.
I have at least four big cysts on my chin that won't go away and only seem to be getting worse, as well as tiny bumps all around them and on my cheeks. I just want this to be over
How's everyone else doing? Hopefully better..... !
I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough day. All of us here know exactly how you feel. I know it's frustrating, but just know you're doing everything you possibly can! It WILL get better. I have read plenty of reviews and information on spironolactone and not once have I heard of it not helping at least somewhat. All most all the ones I have read have said they saw amazing results. The few that didn't admitted that they at least saw SOME positive change. So just know that it WILL get better!!!! I am also experiencing small bumps along the chin, jaw, cheek area. Maybe that's a step in the right direction! Tomorrow is a new day so just get some rest and when you wake up tomorrow you will be one day closer to clear skin
Thank you! You're right, i do feel better after getting a good, long nights sleep. Some days it's just SO hard to imagine having clear skin since it's been bad or at least mediocre for so long. I'm sick of the make up! I can't wait to be fresh faced and confident at the beach this summer (that is my ultimate goal).
On a side note, I invested in a microdermabrasion machine for when the cysts stop so I can control the clogged pores (they are deep!) and the scarring. I used to have it done when my skin was a little more under control and it really helped. Have you guys had any experience with microderm?
Thank you! You're right, i do feel better after getting a good, long nights sleep. Some days it's just SO hard to imagine having clear skin since it's been bad or at least mediocre for so long. I'm sick of the make up! I can't wait to be fresh faced and confident at the beach this summer (that is my ultimate goal).
On a side note, I invested in a microdermabrasion machine for when the cysts stop so I can control the clogged pores (they are deep!) and the scarring. I used to have it done when my skin was a little more under control and it really helped. Have you guys had any experience with microderm?
Oh trust me... I know how you feel. Sometimes the weekends are the worst for me. I avoid makeup on the weekends, so I'll wake up and think my face looks pretty good, then I'll look in my car mirror in the direct sunlight and start to feel bad again... BUT my goal is literally the same as yours! I want to be able to go camping and swimming with clear skin! I don't like using makeup in the summer anyways except on special occasions, but this summer I want to not feel self conscious without makeup on!
I have not used a microdermabrasion kit, or had it done, but please let us know how the microdermabrasion kit goes! Clogged pores are a problem for me.
I get my blood tested tomorrow and I'm REALLY nervous! I don't know why, I just am afraid of having to be taken off of it or something! Have you guys had your first blood test?
Day 44 (6 weeks, 2 days)
Less than a week ago my skin was probably the clearest it's been in the last 6 months or so, which was exciting, however I figured the breakouts weren't over and I was right. I had my dermatologist appointment on Tuesday and have to get my blood redrawn on Monday because they put it in the wrong tube... so I don't know how my potassium is yet. I have officially been moved up to 100mg, even though I was taking 100mg for a while already (whoops). What's really unique about my breakout cycle is that my skin is clearest BEFORE and DURING my period (which I just had and figured was the explanation for my clearer complexion). My dermatologist said this happens to some people and it is still considered adult hormonal acne, hence the spiro.
I actually found my dermatologist appointment to be a little discouraging... she didn't say anything bad, but she didn't say anything good either. I talked about wanting clear skin by summer and her response was, "Hopefully we'll get you there. Let's make an appointment for 3 months and if it's not working, we'll try some other things." Like I said, it wasn't anything BAD she said, I guess I just hoped she'd say something like, "I think things are going great and I think you can get off the doryx and topicals soon!" Patience is key, yeah, yeah, yeah. Trust me, I know. I've been patient! I know what patience is! I guess it would be easier to be patient if I KNEW this was the solution I've been looking for. I know it's still early to tell, but like you guys know, some days are harder than others.
Suffice it to say, yesterday was a BAD day for me. I had just gone from pretty clear skin to another breakout which left me discouraged. I felt like there was no point to any of this. I tried to talk to my mom about it and I just felt worse. She thinks I'm overreacting. Although, we talked a little more and she seemed to give me a little more hope, so I'm feeling better today than yesterday. As I have previously said, I never have problems with my forehead, back, and chest, although this last month I did have minor breakouts on the chest and forehead. They are gone, thank goodness. So as of now my chest, back, and forehead are clear again (I hope I didn't just jinx it). My left cheek is clearing up still, which I'm not surprised about because two weeks ago I had a pretty bad breakout on it. I'm really bad at identifying my acne, however I've heard my dermatologist reference papules and pustules a lot. I'm convinced I get cysts sometimes too though, who knows. I think the few I have on my left cheek are papules. I STILL have two papules (maybe small cysts?) by nose that aren't as noticeable anymore but WON'T go away. The right side of my chin looks kinda bad, but is mostly just healing, no actives. And the most recent development was a big pimple on my right cheek as of yesterday. I admit, I picked out of frustration, so it looks even worse now. I've been putting Vitamin E oil on the healing areas, it's very rare that I am convinced things helps the healing process, but I actually do think that the Vitamin E helps!
I also forgot to mention that I asked my derm if Aczone can make you feel greasy, because I thought I'd been feeling less oily, but the times I have Aczone on my face I feel and look a bit shiny and greasy all over. She said it can, so we switched so that I'm doing Aczone at night and Retin-A Micro during the day. I haven't used the Retin-A Micro under my makeup yet, but I will for work tomorrow. I'm anxious to see how it works out. I will post pictures sometimes this week too!
How's everyone else doing? Keep up the good work guys! Don't give up or lose hope!