Hi everyone.

I am thinking about weaning myself off Dianette aka Diane 35. After hearing so many terrible things in the media about the pill, I am starting to wish I had never taken it. However, my 17 year old self definitely needed something to clear her skin and boost her self esteem! Now I am nearly 22 and, whilst my skin is of course important to me, I definitely think about my health a lot more than I did at that age. I have heard all the stories about awful breakouts, cystic acne etc. occurring after (and worse than ever) stopping taking the dianette. Therefore, I am considering weaning myself off it, I have read a few success stories alongside a few not-so-successful stories regarding this method, on the internet.

When I was a teenager my skin was fairly bad, although in hindsight it perhaps wasn't as bad as I felt it was at the time. I would probably describe it as mild/medium acne. At the moment my skin is fairly clear, as it has been generally whilst taking dianette, although I do still have some mini break outs so I am aware that my skin is still probably prone to spots. I was wondering if anyone had any recent stories regarding weaning off dianette. Whilst I have found some forums on the internet that discuss weaning off it, generally they are older forums or discussions from those planning to wean off dianette.

I am also interested in laser skin treatment, to avoid acne after stopping taking dianette or any other suggestions others have. Roaccutane is very much a last resort for me, although its not something I would completely dismiss.

Thanks in advance.

Maria