Good luck Lizzie! I'm on a similar regimen of Dianette, Lymecycline and Epiduo (which has the same retinoid in it as Differin) at the moment. It has taken a while and I've had some very frustrating breakouts along the way but I'm pleased to say that after two and a half months I can definitely see some significant improvement in my skin. It's definitely not there yet but it is well on its way. I really hope this treatment plan works for you too!

Thank you, MoonlitRiver! Do you have a personal log too that I can follow? Good luck, I will write weekly, I really hope it works for me! What was the first improvement you noticed and how long into the treatment was it? Thanks x

Thank you, MoonlitRiver! Do you have a personal log too that I can follow? Good luck, I will write weekly, I really hope it works for me! What was the first improvement you noticed and how long into the treatment was it? Thanks x

Yep I do have a log, the link to it is in my signature. I haven't written in it for a while because I keep forgetting but will update it soon and the next entry will be more positive than the previous one! You'll see that it's been quite up and down for me but the general impression has definitely been one of improvement, especially if you compare my skin now to how it was when I first started. I'll be interested to see how the treatment progresses for you as well.

Because it's been so up and down it's really difficult to say when it started working but I was definitely getting some improvement around the week 4/week 5 mark, then it backtracked a bit again and I had a few breakouts and now at week 10 or so the improvement has become quite significant, although I do still get the odd new spot. I definitely think the whole process is a bit of a patience test but if you stick it out hopefully you should start to see the results you want.

Thanks! Your messages cheered me up on what has been a very depressing acne day...x

Thanks! Your messages cheered me up on what has been a very depressing acne day...x

No problem, I'm glad to hear it! Keep your chin up and persevere with this new treatment plan and hopefully you will see results sooner rather than later.

Day 5, BREAKING OUT

Side effects: sore and bigger breasts, generally bloated and gassy, always hungry, mouth ulcers.

Heartbroken I'm breaking out on my birthday weekend but won't let it ruin it!

Day 7, today is my birthday and my skin is the worst it's ever been. I have painful cysts as well as small whiteheads and small scabs from fading pimples. I'm devastated but I am going to keep taking it and hope all this will be worth it eventually. I cried all day. Thanks acne for ruining my birthday

Day 10, my skin has improved slightly over the past day or two, no new pimple yesterday and my scabs/scars healing nicely, however I think I put this down to either eating less/healthier, not wearing liquid foundation or drinking lots of water. I've started going dairy-free again as well to see if it helps and switched to soya milk. I will also be watching my fat and sugar intake and not wear foundation to see if it has an impact. I've ordered Liz Earle's hot cloth cleanser as I've heard so many good things about it. I can't wait to receive it!

The dianette side effects have subsided already, they are less noticeable to me/uncomfortable, right now I have slight period type discomfort (very mild) and sometimes slight leg discomfort also very mild.

My skin's oiliness is still as bad.

Day 12, only one active spot on my cheek. The ones from last weekend's breakout have faded nicely

My diet has been excellent all week though so unsure how much of a part dianette plays in this.

My skin is just as oily, no change there and I still have lots of blackheads on my t zone but I daren't pop them (as they aren't really noticeable).

Side effects: my boobs are huge , slight crampy feeling in my womb, weight gain and increased appetite.

Tomorrow I have my scan to see if I have PCOS, looking forward to getting that out of the way.

This weekend I will not wear any foundation and keep up my healthy eating to see if I break out like I always do at the weekend or not...

Day 13, CLEAR! (Except a few minuscule blemishes).

Diet has been full of vegetables all week, eating no junk or dairy and I've drank plenty of water, so who knows how much dianette is helping if at all?

Today I had my ovary scan, at first glance they didn't see anything wrong but I need to see the doctor soon for more in depth results.

Tonight I've started using Liz Earle's hot cloth cleanser, I will write how I'm finding it over the next few weeks too. So far I really like it!

The main side effects is that I'm putting on weight fast, constantly eating. Big boobies.

Good to hear that you got over your initial breakout fast! The increased appetite is pretty alarming, but my boobies have been getting bigger and bigger as well haha so I guess we can't complain!

I'd honestly rather be a bit chunkier with nice skin than skinny with acne! I've been eating a lot more but I make sure it's mainly whole foods like fruit, vegetables and nuts... Drinking a lot of water does help with water retention also I found. How long have you been on dianette for and how are you finding it? X

Day 15. I've noticed that my skin has been slightly less oily the past few days. However today I'm having a mild breakout, this could be due to eating more sugar than usual this weekend or to the hot cloth cleanser (it exfoliates, gently, but it might be too harsh for my skin especially as I use it morning and night).

TRIAL AND ERROR, etc

So I'm going to watch my diet again, stay away from sugar, dairy, saturated fats etc and go back to my usual cleanser to see if my skin becomes calmer.

I'd honestly rather be a bit chunkier with nice skin than skinny with acne! I've been eating a lot more but I make sure it's mainly whole foods like fruit, vegetables and nuts... Drinking a lot of water does help with water retention also I found. How long have you been on dianette for and how are you finding it? X

That's good! I'm just about finished my 4th pack, and I'm clearing up pretty well! I have moderate acne I would say...I used to always have at least 2-3 whiteheads, but now it's about 1, and they heal much faster. My skin got less oily, and a lot of my comedonal acne has subsided as well...so altogether I love it! I think it's going to take me a little bit longer to clear up just 'cause my skin problem's been pretty stubborn...plus I have a lot of bad habits (like sleeping with makeup on - I'm surprised I'm not a pizza-face to be honest!). I skipped my period twice on it too, so I don't know if that affected my skin progression? I should probably change my diet and drink my water...but I love food too much haha

i have just started 6 days ago. i have such painful boobs! ive been emotional, nauseous and weird legs. i dont mind if my boobs get bigger though lol

Good luck with it! The side effects do get better xx

Day 16 breaking out really badly again! Really frustrating as had a week of perfect skin last week don't know what caused this...

You're only 16 days into your first pack, so another breakout is nothing out of the ordinary! I find that throughout these 4 packs, I break out at least once every pack, but each time it's noticeably less severe and heal much faster and better. Plus, day 16 is within the 3rd week, meaning it's approaching your expected period so maybe that's why you're starting to break out a little.

Day 17, very frustrated at this week's breakout BUT skin is definitely less oily which is awesome

Day 18, COVERED in acne, devastated.

My skin is less oily but the acne is so much worse than ever.

I saw the doctor and got 3 more months worth of dianette. I also got a referral to see a dermatologist, finally. Apparently it'll take 3-6 weeks to see one.

I'm so depressed I feel suicidal again, I feel it'll never go away and I'm so embarrassed too.

*hugs* im sorry your bad today. I know its a right pain in the behind! Its great that you have got a referral though im trying to get one too. all the best and if you feel too bad have a chat with someone if you can - ive always found it helpful to get it all out and have a good rant about it

Day 21, skipping 7 day break and just starting second month. I'm covered in scabs healing from this week's horrendous breakout. I also have conjunctivitis. My relationship is falling apart and it takes great courage for me to go out looking like this. I still have hope Dianette will work eventually and that if not the dermatologist will give me Accutane.

Day 23, skin has calmed down again, scabs all fell off. I just have one healing small whitehead, no active spots today. I know it won't last so making the most of being almost clear. I still have an eye infection though

Day 26. Aaaaand I'm breaking out again. Eye infection gone. More relaxed as I'm on antidepressants and getting counselling to help me cope with acne. Liz Earle's hot cloth cleanser hasn't stopped me breaking out but my skin overall looks more healthy and glowing. Thinking of just eating fruit and veg next week as an experiment...

Day 29, really breaking out. To be honest I picked and ate really badly all weekend. As sad as it sounds, I'm starting to get used to acne. I guess it's a good thing in a way. Yesterday I saw friends and two of them are struggling with bad skin at the moment so I felt less alone